Importance of HSN Code for Cement
- Regulatory Compliance: Helps businesses comply with both national and international trade regulations.
- Taxation: Supports correct tax classification and ensures adherence to the updated GST rates (effective September 22, 2025).
- Global Trade: Facilitates seamless import and export processes for cement products.
- Inventory Management: Simplifies inventory tracking and management for companies.
HSN Code for Cement: Classification
- Global Standardisation: HSN codes for cement are based on the Harmonised System, a global nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organisation, using a 6-digit code to classify goods for trade and customs purposes.
- Detailed Classification: Cement products are categorised under Chapter 25 as "Mineral Products," with further classification under heading 25.23 for various types of hydraulic cements, based on composition, use, and physical characteristics.
- Country-Specific Extensions: Countries can extend the standard 6-digit codes to 8 digits or more, allowing for more precise classification and the application of local taxation and trade policies, such as specific GST rates in India.
- Taxation Alignment: The HSN classification determines the applicable GST rate for each type of cement product, ensuring uniform taxation across different regions and facilitating compliance with local and international trade regulations.
The factors influencing the HSN classification for Cement are:
- Product Composition: The main components and chemical makeup of the cement product influence its classification.
- Use or Application: The intended use or specific application of the cement product can also determine its classification under the HSN codes.
- Physical Characteristics: Physical characteristics such as colour (e.g., white cement) and form (e.g., whether in clinkers or powdered form) play a role in the classification.
How to Find the HSN Code for Cement
To find the HSN code for cement, businesses can refer to the official GST portal, trade-related publications, or consult with a trade compliance expert. It is crucial to ensure the accuracy of the HSN code used to prevent any legal or financial discrepancies.
HSN Codes and new GST rates for Cement Products
As part of the GST 2.0 reforms, the GST Council reduced the tax rate on most cement products and cement-based structural components from 28% to 18%, effective September 22, 2025.
HSN Code
|
Description
|
New GST Rate (%) (Effective Sept 22, 2025)
|
Old GST Rate (%)
|
2523
|
Portland cement, aluminous cement, slag cement, and similar hydraulic cements, whether coloured or in clinker form
|
18%
|
28%
|
252321
|
White Portland Cement, whether or not artificially coloured
|
18%
|
28%
|
252329
|
Other Portland Cement
|
18%
|
28%
|
252330
|
Aluminous Cement
|
18%
|
28%
|
252390
|
Other hydraulic cements
|
18%
|
28%
|
382450
|
Non-refractory mortars and concretes for building or civil engineering purposes (e.g., ready-mix concrete)
|
18%
|
18%
|
681011
|
Building blocks and bricks of cement, concrete, or artificial stone
|
18%
|
28%
|
681019
|
Tiles, flagstones, bricks, and similar articles of cement, concrete, or artificial stone
|
18%
|
28%
|
681091
|
Prefabricated structural components for building or civil engineering of cement, concrete, or artificial stone
|
18%
|
28%
|
681099
|
Other articles of cement, concrete, or artificial stone
|
18%
|
28%
|
This revision helps reduce the tax burden on construction materials while streamlining compliance under the updated GST framework.
Compliance and Regulations
Ensuring the use of accurate HSN codes for cement is essential for compliance and to prevent penalties. The substantial reduction of the GST rate on cement to 18% represents a significant change, requiring businesses to promptly update all invoicing, accounting, and ERP systems to reflect the new tax structure, effective September 22, 2025.
Conclusion
Accurate application of HSN codes is crucial for the cement industry. With most cement products shifting to an 18% GST rate effective September 22, 2025, businesses must promptly update their classification and invoicing processes. Utilising financial assistance, such as a business loan, can help cover the expenses of system upgrades and staff training required to ensure smooth compliance under the new GST framework.
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