New GST rate and HSN code on TV in India
The Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) code for televisions in India is 8528. The table below highlights the GST rates on televisions before GST, after GST was introduced, and following the recent GST Reform 2.0.
HSN Code
|
Item Description
|
Old GST Rate
|
New GST Rate (Effective Sept 22, 2025)
|
8528
|
LED or LCD television set (up to 32 inches)
|
18%
|
18% (No change)
|
8528
|
LED or LCD television set (above 32 inches)
|
28%
|
18% (Reduced)
|
8528
|
LED TV with 43-inch screen
|
28%
|
18% (Reduced)
|
8528
|
LED TV with 55-inch screen
|
28%
|
18% (Reduced)
|
8528
|
Set-top box for television
|
18%
|
18% (No change)
|
8528
|
Computer monitors & projectors
|
28%
|
18% (Reduced)
|
Price of TV before and under GST
The transition from the earlier multi-tax regime to GST brought greater consistency in pricing. With the latest GST Reform 2.0, the tax structure has been further simplified, offering significant relief on large-screen models. The comparison table below shows how rates have evolved across these three phases.
Item
|
Before GST (VAT & Excise Duty)
|
Old GST Rate (Before Sept 22, 2025)
|
New GST Rate (Effective Sept 22, 2025)
|
TV (up to 32 inches)
|
Approx. 25%-28%
|
18% GST
|
18% GST (No change)
|
TV (above 32 inches)
|
Approx. 25%-30%
|
28% GST
|
18% GST (Reduced)
|
GST on TV or television: A comparison of Pre-GST and Post-GST
Pre-GST Tax Structure on televisions
Before the implementation of GST, televisions were subject to multiple indirect taxes, leading to inflated prices for consumers. These included:
- Excise Duty: Imposed by the central government on the manufacturing stage.
- Value Added Tax (VAT): Charged by state governments at various stages of the supply chain.
- Octroi: A local entry tax levied by certain municipal authorities.
This fragmented and multi-tiered tax framework resulted in cascading tax effects, ultimately increasing the retail cost of televisions.
Post-GST tax structure on televisions
With the introduction of GST, the taxation process for televisions has become more streamlined and transparent. Now, televisions are taxed under a unified system with rates determined by screen size:
- GST Rate: A uniform 18% for all televisions.
- CGST (Central GST): Charged by the central government.
- SGST (State GST): Levied by the respective state governments.
- IGST (Integrated GST): Applied on inter-state transactions.
For purchases made within a single state, the GST is split equally between CGST and SGST. In the case of sales across state lines, IGST is levied instead. This system eliminates the overlap of previous taxes and simplifies compliance for businesses and pricing for consumers.
Impact of GST reform on the television market
The latest GST reform has reshaped television pricing in India. Previously, larger TVs carried a higher GST rate, making them more expensive. With a uniform 18% rate now applied to all TVs, these models have become more affordable. Consumers benefit from reduced costs, while businesses can expect higher sales of premium models. The new structure also ensures consistent pricing nationwide and simplifies compliance.
Factors affecting GST on TV
With GST now uniform at 18%, the final amount depends largely on the product’s base price. While screen size and features don’t affect the tax rate itself, they still influence the total price.
Base price and specs: Bigger screens and advanced features raise the base price, increasing the GST amount.
Brand value: Premium and imported brands cost more, which means higher GST.
Warranty coverage: TVs with extended or bundled warranties have higher invoice values, resulting in higher GST.
How to calculate GST on TV?
Calculating GST is straightforward and ensures you know the total cost before purchase. With the rate cut from 28% to 18%, bigger models are now significantly cheaper.
Steps to calculate GST on TV:
Note the base price of the TV
Multiply the base price by the GST rate (18%)
Add the GST amount to the base price to get the final cost
Example to calculate GST on TV
The table below shows how GST calculations differ before and after the reforms. A GST calculator can further simplify this process.
Calculation Component
|
Old GST Calculation
|
New GST Calculation
(Effective Sept 22, 2025)
|
Applicable Rate
|
18% for TVs up to 32"
28% for TVs above 32"
|
18% for all TVs
|
Base Price of TV
|
₹20,000
|
₹20,000
|
GST Calculation
|
₹20,000 x 28% (for a 40" TV) = ₹5,600
|
₹20,000 x 18% = ₹3,600
|
Final Price
|
₹20,000 + ₹5,600 = ₹25,600
|
₹20,000 + ₹3,600 = ₹23,600
|
Consumer Saving
|
N/A
|
₹2,000
|
Conclusion
The flat 18% GST rate has simplified television taxation and made larger-screen models more affordable. Consumers enjoy better prices, while businesses benefit from rising demand and simpler compliance. To leverage this shift, retailers and distributors can consider a business loan to expand inventory, scale marketing, and strengthen their position in the market.