GST Rate on Paint: 18%

HSN 3208 · 9% CGST + 9% SGST intra-state, or 18% IGST interstate.

Paints and varnishes attract 18% GST under heading 3208, down from the original 28% slab since July 2018. Emulsions, enamels, primers, and industrial coatings all share the rate.

Worked example at 18%

Taxable value: ₹10,000
CGST (9%): ₹900.00
SGST (9%): ₹900.00
Invoice total: ₹11,800.00

Interstate, the same sale shows a single IGST line of ₹1,800.00. Try your own numbers in the GST calculator.

Classification

Paint is classified under HSN 3208 — see the full classification page for the official description, parent and related codes, and digit-length rules. Rates follow GST Council notifications and can change; the rate shown here is the one typically associated with this classification.

Also at 18% GST

Accounting & Bookkeeping SAC 998222 Advertising Services SAC 998361 Biscuits HSN 190531 Ceramic & Vitrified Tiles HSN 690721 Chocolate HSN 1806 Commercial Rent SAC 997212 Cosmetics HSN 330499 Courier Services SAC 996811

Frequently asked questions

A painting contract with material is a works-contract service at 18% on the whole value. Paint alone is a goods sale at 18%; labour alone is a service at 18% — conveniently, all three land at the same rate today.

For a sale within one state, the 18% splits equally into 9% CGST and 9% SGST. For an interstate sale it is charged as a single 18% IGST — the total tax is the same either way.

HSN code 3208. The code appears on every invoice line and flows into the GSTR-1 summary and e-way bills.

Related tools & guides

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