GST rate and HSN code for honey

Quick answer

GST on honey is 5% (HSN 0409) from 22 September 2025 when natural honey is pre-packaged and labelled, and nil when sold loose. Unbranded honey is also listed as puja samagri, which is nil. Artificial honey, or honey mixed with sugar syrup, is a different entry at 18%.

Kirana and grocery staples · HSN 0409 · GST 5% or nil · Last checked 16 October 2026 against the CBIC notifications

HSN code and GST rate for honey

GST rate by condition
Condition	HSN	GST	CGST + SGST	IGST	Schedule entry
Pre-packaged and labelled	0409	5%	2.5% + 2.5%	5%	Notification 9/2025-CT(Rate), Schedule I, S. No. 10
Loose, or not pre-packaged and labelled	0409	Nil	Nil	Nil	Notification 10/2025-CT(Rate), S. No. 19

In force from 22 September 2025. Inside your State, half the rate is CGST and half SGST; for a buyer in another State the full rate is IGST (same entries in Notification 9/2025-IT(Rate)). Entry wording (shortened): “Natural honey”.

What to print on the bill

Print HSN 0409 for natural honey.
Branded jars and bottles: 5%. Honey filled from a can for the customer: 0%.
Artificial honey (1702) is 18%; check the label for 'artificial' or 'blended with invert syrup'.
HSN digits: 4 if your turnover last year was up to ₹5 crore, 6 above that; up to ₹5 crore you may leave HSN off bills to unregistered buyers (Notification 78/2020-CT). More in B2C bill rules.

Common mistakes

Billing branded honey at 0% because 'unbranded honey' is exempt as puja samagri.
Billing artificial honey at 5% like natural honey.
Treating a small labelled bottle filled in-store as loose.

Put the right HSN and GST on every bill

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Questions about GST on honey

Is honey exempt from GST?

Only loose natural honey, and unbranded honey sold as puja samagri. Pre-packaged and labelled natural honey is 5%.

What is the GST on artificial honey?

Artificial honey, whether or not mixed with natural honey (1702), is 18% under Schedule II, S. No. 1.

Is honey with added flavour still 0409?

Honey with other ingredients may be classified as a food preparation. Follow the supplier's HSN.

GST on milkHSN 0401 · nil GST on curd, lassi and chaasHSN 0403 · 5% or nil GST on paneerHSN 0406 · nil GST on ghee and butterHSN 0405 · 5%GST on cheeseHSN 0406 · 5%GST on riceHSN 1006 · 5% or nil

Look up another item in the HSN and GST rate finder, or see all GST rates by category.

General information, not tax advice. Rates are taken from Notification No. 9/2025-Central Tax (Rate), dated 17 September 2025 and Notification No. 10/2025-Central Tax (Rate), dated 17 September 2025 (exempt goods), as amended, and were last checked on 16 October 2026. The rate depends on the exact description and classification of your product: check it with your CA.