HSN Code for Chemical Products India 2026 — Complete Reference Guide

India's chemical industry is the third largest in Asia and the sixth largest in the world — spanning basic industrial chemicals, specialty chemicals, agrochemicals, paints and coatings, pharmaceuticals, polymers, rubber, and a vast array of end-use applications that touch every sector of the economy.

From the basic chemical manufacturer in Ankleshwar or Vapi supplying industrial solvents to factories across the country, to the agrochemical distributor supplying pesticides and fertilizers to farmers through rural dealer networks, to the paint distributor serving construction companies and hardware retailers, to the plastics raw material supplier serving packaging manufacturers, to the rubber chemical supplier serving tyre companies — every chemical industry transaction generates a GST invoice with one mandatory element: the correct HSN code.

Chemical HSN code classification is uniquely complex for several reasons:

Chemistry and structure determine classification: Unlike most other products where visual characteristics determine classification, chemical products are classified based on their molecular structure, functional groups, degree of purity, and intended use. A chemical compound at 99% purity may be classified differently from the same compound at 85% purity. The same chemical compound with different molecular configurations may fall under different HSN codes.

Multiple classification principles apply: The HSN chemical chapters (28-38) follow the logic of organic and inorganic chemistry — with specific rules for mixed products, diluted products, aqueous solutions, and preparations vs pure substances.

GST rates are predominantly 18%: Most chemical products attract 18% GST — but critical exceptions exist (fertilizers at 0-5%, agricultural pesticides at 5%, soaps at 12-18%) that have significant commercial impact.

Regulatory compliance accompanies GST: Chemical products are often regulated under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management) Rules, the Manufacture, Storage, and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, and sector-specific regulations — creating compliance complexity alongside GST.

This comprehensive guide provides the complete HSN code reference for chemical products in India — covering industrial chemicals, inorganic chemicals, organic chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, paints, plastics, rubber, soaps, and specialty chemicals — with applicable GST rates and how ERP Group's GST invoicing system automates correct chemical HSN billing.

Use ERP Group's Free HSN/SAC Finder → to find the correct HSN code for any chemical product instantly.

Chemical HSN Code Framework Overview

How Chemical Products Are Organized in the HSN System

Section VI — Chemical and Allied Industries (Chapters 28-38)

The primary chemical chapters in the HSN system fall under Section VI — "Products of the Chemical or Allied Industries":

Beyond Section VI — Chemical-Related Chapters:

• Chapter 39: Plastics and articles thereof
• Chapter 40: Rubber and articles thereof

The Three Chemical Classification Principles

Principle 1 — Pure Substance vs Preparation:
A chemically pure or defined composition substance (e.g., pure sodium hydroxide) is classified differently from a preparation (a mixture containing sodium hydroxide with other substances). Pure substances usually go to Chapters 28 or 29; preparations go to Chapter 38 or other chapters.

Principle 2 — Inorganic vs Organic:
Chapter 28 covers inorganic chemicals (metal oxides, acids, alkalies, salts of inorganic acids). Chapter 29 covers organic chemicals (carbon-containing compounds — except carbonates of some metals and a few others).

Principle 3 — Use Does Not Determine Chapter (Usually):
Unlike food products where "agricultural use" changes the GST rate, chemical classification is generally based on the product's chemical nature — not its intended use. However, some chapters (Chapter 31 for fertilizers, Chapter 38 for pesticides) do reflect end-use classification.

Chemical GST Rate Structure

Understanding Chemical GST Before Looking Up Codes

18% GST — The Dominant Rate for Industrial Chemicals

18% GST applies to most industrial chemical products — including most inorganic chemicals (Chapter 28), most organic chemicals (Chapter 29), most paints and varnishes (Chapter 32), most soaps and detergents (Chapter 34), and most plastics and rubber (Chapters 39, 40).

5% GST — Agricultural Chemicals

5% GST applies to:

• Agricultural pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides — for crop protection use)
• Disinfectants (when used for agricultural/plant protection purposes)

This 5% rate for agrochemicals is a deliberate GST Council policy to keep crop protection chemicals affordable for farmers.

0% GST — Fertilizers

0% GST (Exempt) applies to:

• Most chemical fertilizers specifically notified — urea, DAP, MOP, NPK fertilizers in the CBIC notification
• Organic manure

Fertilizer exemption is a major agricultural support policy — keeping essential crop nutrition inputs free of tax.

12% GST — Specific Chemical Products

12% GST applies to:

• Soaps (certain categories)
• Some specific chemical preparations

28% GST — Rare in Core Chemicals

28% GST is rarely applicable to industrial chemicals — but applies to some end-consumer-facing chemical products like certain cosmetic preparations and personal care products with a luxury connotation.

For chemical manufacturers and traders, read our comprehensive guide on billing software for chemical manufacturers India.

Chapter 28 — Inorganic Chemicals

Complete HSN Reference for Inorganic Chemicals

Chapter 28 covers inorganic chemicals — compounds that do not primarily contain carbon in their molecular structure (with specific exceptions like carbonates, cyanides, carbides).

Acids — Industrial Inorganic Acids

Alkalies and Bases

Chlorine and Halogen Products

Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Industrial Gases

Oxides and Peroxides

Salts and Inorganic Compounds

Inorganic Salts Used in Agriculture/Water Treatment

Chapter 29 — Organic Chemicals

Complete HSN Reference for Organic Chemicals

Chapter 29 is the largest chemical chapter in the HSN system — covering the vast universe of organic (carbon-based) chemical compounds.

Hydrocarbons and Petroleum Derivatives

Alcohols — Industrial Solvents and Feedstocks

Industrial Solvents — Ethers, Ketones, Esters

Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives

Amines, Amino Compounds, and Nitrogen Compounds

Pharmaceutical Chemical Building Blocks (APIs — Chapter 29)

For companies that manufacture pharmaceutical chemicals, read our guide on HSN code for pharma products India.

Chapter 31 — Fertilizers

Complete HSN Reference for Fertilizers

Chapter 31 is one of the most important chapters for India's agrochemical sector — and has the most taxpayer-friendly GST rates in the chemical sector.

Nitrogen Fertilizers — 0% GST (Most Notified)

Phosphate Fertilizers — 0% GST (Notified)

Potassic Fertilizers — 0% GST (Notified)

Mixed/Complex Fertilizers

Organic Fertilizers and Manure

Important Note: The fertilizer exemption covers specifically notified fertilizer grades intended for agricultural use. Industrial grade ammonium nitrate used for non-fertilizer purposes may attract different classification.

For chemical and agricultural input distributors, read our guide on GST software for mandi traders.

Chapter 32 — Paints, Varnishes, and Dyes

Complete HSN Reference for Paints and Coatings

Paints and Varnishes — 18% GST

Pigments and Colouring Matter

Dyes — Textile and Industrial

Printing Inks

Chapter 33 — Essential Oils and Cosmetic Chemicals

Complete HSN Reference for Essential Oils and Fragrance Chemicals

Essential Oils — 18% GST

Cosmetic and Personal Care Chemicals — 18% GST

Chapter 34 — Soaps, Detergents, and Lubricants

Complete HSN Reference for Cleaning and Lubrication Products

Soaps — Rate Varies by Type and Use

Synthetic Detergents — 18% GST

Lubricants and Industrial Oils

Polishes and Waxes

Chapter 35 — Albumins, Starches, Glues, and Enzymes

Complete HSN Reference for Industrial Binders and Proteins

Starches and Modified Starches

Glues and Adhesives

Enzymes — Industrial

Chapter 38 — Agrochemicals and Industrial Chemical Preparations

Complete HSN Reference for Pesticides and Industrial Preparations

Chapter 38 is commercially critical for India's large agrochemical sector — covering pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and a wide range of industrial chemical preparations.

Insecticides — Agricultural Use at 5% GST

Herbicides and Weedicides — 5% GST

Fungicides and Plant Disease Control — 5% GST

Nematicides, Rodenticides, and Other Pesticides — 5% GST

Household/Non-Agricultural Pesticides — 18% GST

Critical Distinction: Agricultural pesticides (crop protection) attract 5% GST. The same active ingredient in a household insecticide formulation may attract 18% GST. The intended end-use (agricultural field vs household) determines the rate.

Disinfectants and Antiseptics

Industrial Chemical Preparations

Chapter 39 — Plastics and Polymers

Complete HSN Reference for Plastic Raw Materials and Products

Primary Plastic Raw Materials — 18% GST

Plastic Products and Articles — 18% GST

Chapter 40 — Rubber and Rubber Products

Complete HSN Reference for Rubber Raw Materials and Products

Natural and Synthetic Rubber — 5-12% GST

Rubber Chemicals and Compounding Ingredients

Rubber Products — Industrial and Commercial

Chemical GST Rate Quick Reference Table

Summary of Chemical Products by GST Rate

0% GST — Exempt Chemical Products

5% GST — Agricultural Chemicals

12% GST — Specific Chemical Products

18% GST — Most Industrial Chemicals

Common Chemical HSN Classification Mistakes

The 9 Most Costly Chemical HSN Errors

Mistake 1 — Applying 18% to Agricultural Pesticides (Correct Rate: 5%)

The most financially impactful error in agrochemical distribution — billing agricultural pesticides (HSN 3808 91/92/93) at 18% GST instead of the correct 5% GST. This overcharges farmers by 13 percentage points. On a ₹10,000 pesticide order, this is ₹1,300 in excess GST — significant for price-sensitive agricultural customers.

Prevention: ERP Group's product master maintains agricultural pesticides at 5% rate — completely separated from household pesticide products at 18%.

Mistake 2 — Charging GST on Notified Fertilizers (Correct Rate: 0%)

Charging GST on urea, DAP, MOP, NPK, and other notified fertilizers. These are exempt — charging any GST creates overcharging for farmers and compliance complications.

Mistake 3 — Applying Same Rate to Household vs Agricultural Pesticides

Chlorpyrifos for crop protection = 5% GST. Chlorpyrifos in a household cockroach killer formulation = 18% GST. The same active ingredient — different formulation and end-use — different rate. Billing household pesticides at 5% is incorrect.

Mistake 4 — Using 18% for All Organic Solvents Without Checking Application

Some organic solvents used specifically as agricultural pesticide solvents may attract 5% GST when part of a registered pesticide formulation. Generic solvent supply at 18% vs pesticide-grade blending in a registered formulation may have different treatment.

Mistake 5 — Treating Industrial Glue Same as PVA Adhesive

Animal glue (HSN 3503) may attract 12% GST while synthetic PVA adhesive (HSN 3506 91) attracts 18% GST. Billing all adhesives at a uniform rate creates classification errors.

Mistake 6 — Applying Rubber Rate to Silicone Products

Natural and synthetic rubber raw materials (Chapter 40) attract 5% GST. Silicone polymers and silicone-based products (Chapter 39, HSN 3910) attract 18% GST. Silicone rubber is not classified the same as natural or synthetic rubber.

Mistake 7 — Not Differentiating Pure Chemical vs Preparation

A pure chemical (Chapter 28 or 29) may have a different rate than a preparation of the same chemical (Chapter 38 or 34). Pure sodium hypochlorite (Chapter 28) vs bleach-based disinfectant preparation (Chapter 38) — while both are 18% in this example, the classification principle matters for complex mixtures.

Mistake 8 — Using 18% on Natural Rubber (Correct Rate: 5%)

Raw natural rubber (HSN 4001) and reclaimed rubber (HSN 4003) attract 5% GST — not 18%. Rubber products and processed rubber goods attract 18%. The raw material vs processed product distinction is important for rubber supply chain businesses.

Mistake 9 — Not Separating Fertilizer from Agricultural Chemical Billing

A distributor selling both notified fertilizers (0% GST) and pesticides (5% GST) must maintain separate product configurations — mixing rates or applying a uniform 5% to both creates incorrect billing on fertilizers.

How ERP Group Automates Chemical HSN Billing

The Complete Chemical Business GST Compliance Platform

ERP Group — India's AI-Powered GST Billing & Cloud ERP Platform — provides comprehensive HSN code management for chemical businesses across manufacturing, distribution, and trading:

Chemical Product Master with HSN and Regulatory Configuration

ERP Group's GST invoicing system maintains a complete chemical product master where every product is configured with:

• Specific HSN code (fertilizer: 3102, pesticide: 3808, paint: 3209, polymer: 3901)
• Correct GST rate (0% for fertilizers, 5% for pesticides, 18% for most industrials)
• Regulatory classification (hazardous/non-hazardous, MSDS reference)
• Unit of measurement (KGS, LTR, TON, MT)
• Packaging configuration (drum, bag, IBC, cylinder)

Once configured, every invoice carries the correct HSN and rate automatically — zero manual rate selection.

Exempt Fertilizer Product Management

ERP Group maintains fertilizer products as exempt (0% GST) in the product master — the system will not add GST to fertilizer billing, and the invoice clearly shows "Exempt" rather than a GST amount. For distributors billing both fertilizers (exempt) and pesticides (5%) — ERP Group correctly separates these on the same invoice if needed.

Agrochemical Product Rate Management (5% vs 18%)

ERP Group allows agricultural pesticide formulations (5% GST) and household pesticide products (18% GST) to be maintained as separate products with their respective rates. A chlorpyrifos-based crop protection insecticide and a chlorpyrifos-based household spray are configured separately — each with their correct rate.

Hazardous Material Compliance Notes

ERP Group's invoice template for chemical products supports additional compliance fields — MSDS reference number, hazard class designation, emergency contact (for ADR transport) — alongside the standard GST compliance fields. This helps chemical businesses maintain regulatory compliance documentation alongside tax compliance.

Bulk Chemical Quantity Management

ERP Group's warehouse management system manages chemical inventory:

• Bulk quantities (kilograms, litres, metric tonnes)
• Lot/batch tracking for quality-controlled chemicals
• Multi-location warehouse with hazardous goods segregation
• Near-expiry tracking for reactive or unstable chemicals
• Reorder management for just-in-time chemical procurement

GSTR-1 Chemical HSN Table 12 Auto-Generation

For a chemical distributor billing products at 0% (fertilizers), 5% (pesticides), and 18% (industrial chemicals) — ERP Group automatically generates the HSN-wise summary for GSTR-1 Table 12, aggregating all invoices by HSN code and rate. This eliminates the complex manual aggregation that chemical businesses with multi-rate product portfolios face.

Free HSN/SAC Finder for Chemical Products

Use ERP Group's HSN/SAC Finder → to search any chemical product by name, common name, or CAS number and find the correct HSN code and applicable GST rate — before configuring it in the billing system.

Complete Chemical Business Platform

Conclusion — Correct Chemical HSN Codes Protect Compliance and Commercial Relationships

India's chemical industry — from the basic industrial chemical manufacturer to the agrochemical distributor supplying farmers, from the paint manufacturer to the plastics processor — operates with one of the most diverse GST rate structures in Indian commerce.

The key principles for chemical businesses:

Agricultural inputs get special rates:

• Fertilizers (notified): 0% GST — Chapter 31
• Agricultural pesticides: 5% GST — Chapter 38 (91/92/93)
• Natural rubber (raw): 5% GST — Chapter 40

Most industrial chemicals: 18% GST:

• Inorganic chemicals — Chapter 28
• Organic chemicals and solvents — Chapter 29
• Paints, dyes — Chapter 32
• Soaps, detergents, lubricants — Chapter 34
• Plastics raw materials and products — Chapter 39
• Processed rubber goods — Chapter 40

Critical distinctions:

• Agricultural pesticide (5%) vs household pesticide (18%)
• Notified fertilizer (0%) vs non-agricultural chemical (18%)
• Raw natural rubber (5%) vs processed rubber goods (18%)

Use ERP Group's Free HSN/SAC Finder → to find the correct HSN code and GST rate for any chemical product instantly.

ERP Group's GST invoicing system — with multi-rate chemical product master, exempt fertilizer handling, pesticide rate management, bulk inventory tracking through warehouse management system, complete financial management through accounting software, and dealer management through CRM software — is India's most comprehensive chemical business GST billing platform.

Book Your Free Demo — Chemical HSN Multi-Rate GST Billing Platform

👉 Book a Free Demo → — See ERP Group's chemical product HSN billing with exempt, 5%, and 18% rate management.

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