How to Add or Amend HSN Codes in GST Registration? Complete Guide

Last Updated on July 3, 2026

This blog discusses how to add or change HSN codes on GST registration, who can apply for the change, required documents, steps to complete the process using the GST Portal, processing time, processing fees and compliance post-filing. It is for taxable persons registered under GST who want to make changes to their product classification under GST on the GST Portal. Goods classification changes are automatically approved upon filing and do not require processing by a tax officer.

What is an HSN Code Amendment in GST Registration?

The HSN amendment refers to a process in which the goods classification information already filed in the GST registration needs to be changed. Taxpayers can edit their GST registration application via the non-core amendment mechanism in the GST online portal, leading to automatic updating of their data within the GST database. The GST System distinguishes between, i.e. core and non-core fields and therefore non-core amendments do not require approval from an officer.

HSN vs SAC: Are You Amending the Right Code?

HSN (Harmonised System of Nomenclature) codes apply to goods. SAC (Services Accounting Code) codes apply to services. Both appear in GST registration under the “Goods and Services” tab.

If your business is adding a new service (not a product), you need to add an SAC code, not an HSN code. The amendment path on the portal is the same (non-core fields), but selecting the wrong type creates mismatches in GSTR-1 filing where goods and services are reported separately.

Still Confused About HSN and SAC Codes? Read our detailed guide to understand the key differences between HSN Codes and SAC Codes, their applicability, and how choosing the correct code ensures accurate GST compliance.

Who Must Mandatorily Mention HSN Codes and at What Level?

HSN code requirements depend on your annual turnover:

Annual Turnover	HSN Digits Required	Where Required
Up to ₹5 crore	4-digit HSN	B2B invoices (optional for B2C)
Above ₹5 crore	6-digit HSN	All invoices mandatory
Exporters (all turnovers)	8-digit HSN	Mandatory on all export invoices

This matters for HSN amendment because if your turnover has crossed ₹5 crore, simply having an HSN in your registration isn’t enough; you need the correct 6-digit code on every invoice. An incorrect 4-digit code that was previously acceptable becomes a compliance issue once the threshold is crossed.

Why HSN Code Updates Matter in GST Compliance?

The correct classification of the HSN code is crucial as returns, invoices and tax classifications will be dependent on the accurate classification of goods. If your HSN classification is incorrect and/or has not been previously updated, you could have misrepresentations of reporting, mismatched invoices and taxable compliance issues. By updating your registration HSN code, you will also be able to have your business information correlate with what actual supply activities have taken place.

Confused About GST Registration Changes? Read our complete guide to understand how to update or change GST registration details online in simple steps.

HSN Code and GST Rate Link

Each HSN code carries a specific GST rate: 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, or 28%. If your registered HSN code doesn’t match the goods you’re actually supplying, you may be charging the wrong rate to customers.

For example, a business selling packaged food under an incorrect HSN might be charging 12% when the correct rate is 5%, resulting in excess tax collected from customers, which must be deposited with the government and can’t be quietly adjusted later without filing a revised return or amendment.

Updating your HSN isn’t just about registration accuracy; it directly affects what you charge, what you deposit, and what your buyers can claim as ITC.

Who Can Add or Amend HSN Codes in GST Registration?

Any businesses that are starting to trade in new goods, changing their current product line, or reclassifying an HSN code that was incorrectly supplied at the time of applying for GST registration should pursue an amendment to their GST registration. This process is also of relevance to taxpayers with the objective of updating their registration details to correctly reflect the description of their business’s goods to help achieve better compliance. The process of non-core amendment is especially relevant if the change to HSN is made without a need to change your PAN, company structure or state of registration.

How to Find the Right HSN Code Before Filing?

Before filing the amendment, confirm the correct HSN code using:

• GST Portal’s HSN Search tool – go to Services > User Services > Search HSN/SAC Code
• Customs Tariff Act schedule – authoritative source for goods classification
• CBIC website – publishes HSN-wise GST rate notifications

Using an incorrect HSN code in your amendment creates the same problem you were trying to fix. Cross-check the rate applicable to the HSN you’re adding. If the rate differs from what you’ve been charging, you may have a prior-period tax differential to address.

Eligibility and Requirements for HSN Code Amendment

The GST Portal allows any registered taxpayer to update their non-core fields on their GST Registration via the Amendment of Registration option. All filings of non-core updates must be made within 15 days of the event that triggered the required change. In addition, non-core updates cannot occur if an amendment is pending and a Core Field ARN has not yet been approved.

1. GSTIN and login credentials to access the GST Portal
2. The description(s) of the goods for which the HSN is being added or amended
3. A brief explanation of the reason(s) for the amendment
4. Any supporting documentation requested by the Portal as proof of the amended information
5. The name(s) of the signatory authorising the submission of the non-core update
6. The method used to authorise the non-core update (Digital Signature Certificate, Electronic Verification Code or a method specific to signing the non-core report or document)

Step-by-Step Process to Update HSN Codes in GST Registration

1. Use your trusted profile information to access the GST portal.
2. Select Services> Registration> Amendment of Registration Non-Core Fields from the top menu.
3. Select the editable form and navigate to the appropriate tab to enter the product or other associated company information.
4. Add/Update the HSN list, then proceed to click the Save & Continue button.
5. Provide an explanation for your request to amend, select a signatory, and confirm the verification tab.
6. After completing these steps, submit your application either via Digital Signature Certificate or EVC, depending on which method you chose to access your account.
7. Once your applications have been submitted successfully, you will receive a confirmation notice via email after the system has completed your application processing. All valid and required amendments will be approved by the system.

Fees and Charges for HSN Code Amendment in GST

There are no fees for the filing of a non-core amendment, such as an HSN modification, when amending GST registration, by the Government. However, the taxpayer will always have to perform due diligence to ensure the filing is accurately executed, as such errors could incur future compliance costs and remediation. The use of professional services will incur costs related to each service provider.

Timeline for GST Registration Amendment of HSN Codes

When a non-core amendment is successfully filed, it will be automatically approved by the GST system. An acknowledgement of successful filing will be generated by the GST system and downloaded to both the registered email and cellular number of the Taxpayer shortly after filing. NOTE: The filing of a non-core amendment shall be considered invalid if not completed within 15 days of a change occurring.

Post-Amendment Compliance After Updating HSN Codes

Taxpayers must confirm that the modified HSN details made in their HSN amendment have been applied properly to their respective profiles after submission of the HSN amendments. The business will also need to update all of its invoices, outward supply and return filing based upon the newly defined product description. In cases where either the business’s bank account or registration details require updating, those items should be separately updated using the appropriate amendment type.

Update GSTR-1 Reporting After HSN Amendment

From FY 2021-22 onwards, HSN-wise summary of outward supplies is mandatory in GSTR-1 (Table 12). After amending your HSN code, ensure all future GSTR-1 filings report supplies under the updated HSN code.

E-Way Bill Impact

E-way bills also require HSN codes for goods in transit. An updated HSN in registration must be consistently used in e-way bills. A mismatch between your GST registration HSN and the HSN on an e-way bill can trigger scrutiny during transit checks by tax officers.

Latest E-Way Bill Changes: Recent updates to the E-Way Bill system can impact GST compliance and the movement of goods. Read our detailed guide to understand the latest changes, new rules, and how they affect your business.

Penalty and Consequences of Incorrect HSN Codes in GST

Under Section 122 of the CGST Act, issuing invoices with incorrect HSN codes can attract a penalty of ₹10,000 or the amount of tax involved, whichever is higher.

If incorrect HSN classification results in a short payment of tax, interest at 18% per annum applies on the differential amount from the due date of payment.

During a GST audit under Section 65 or scrutiny under Section 61 of the CGST Act, incorrect HSN coding is one of the first things officers check; it’s a quick indicator of potential tax rate manipulation or classification errors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Updating HSN Codes

• Filing the amendment under the incorrect category.
• Forgetting to provide the reason for the amendment.
• Incorrect or missing HSN code.
• Missing the 15-day window to file the amendment.
• Attempting to file the amendment prior to an outstanding core amendment being processed.
• Neglecting to confirm that an HSN update was submitted after the filing process was complete.

Benefits of Keeping HSN Codes Updated in GST Registration

• Ensures the registration details match the latest business activity.
• Lowers the chances of errors when processing invoices and filing returns.
• Ensures the correct GST classification will be retained.
• Aids in assessing or reviewing a business’s compliance readiness.
• Aids in preventing confusion regarding new items being added to a business.
• Enhances internal tax and inventory record-keeping.

Example of HSN Code Amendment in GST Registration

A GST-registered trader starts selling textiles. Then they buy packaged home items from a wholesaler and are informed that these items require a new HSN. The taxpayer logs into the GST portal and files a non-core amendment. They add the new HSN to the goods segment and verify before submitting their application, which then updates their registration to include the new classification.

How Kanakkupillai Can Help with HSN Code Amendment?

1. Assistance with HSN reviews and classifications – Kanakkupillai will review existing goods profiles to determine if existing Goods and Services Tax (GST) HSN codes should change or if there should be new codes added. This is beneficial when businesses are entering into new product markets or when there is a discrepancy between actual supplies and their registered products.

2. Assistance with portals – Kanakkupillai’s team will help ensure the filings made via the GST Portal match the appropriate non-core amendment category that you want to use. This decreases the likelihood that the wrong or additional information will be omitted from an amendment that should have occurred.

3. Preparation of Reasons and Documents – If your portal requires supporting documents for your reasons to amend, Kanakkupillai will assist you with preparing your reasons for filing the amendment and organising any supporting documents. This streamlines submission processes and reduces the potential for back-and-forth exchanges when submitting any amendments.

4. Assistance with Verification/Submission – The Kanakkupillai Team will assist you in completing the verification tab and correctly submitting the amendment using the appropriate verification method (Digital Signature Certification (DSC) or Electronic Verification Code (EVC)). This can be particularly helpful if you are a business that wishes to ensure a smooth and error-free submission process.

5. Post-Submission Compliance Assistance – After you submit your amended HSN code application, Kanakkupillai will help you determine whether your new HSN code became effective. In addition, they can assist you with GST compliance for invoicing and remitting so as to properly align with your new GST registration status.

Conclusion

HSN codes in GST registration amendments are filed with the GST Portal and processed by the jurisdictional GST officer under the CGST/SGST administration. To accurately and timely file an HSN code amendment will assist you in maintaining accurate registration information and reducing the overall tax compliance risk level.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I add or amend HSN codes after GST registration?

Yes, HSN-related updates can be made through amendment of non-core fields in GST registration.

2. Does the amendment need approval from the tax officer?

No, non-core amendments are auto-approved after successful filing.

3. What is the GST portal path for HSN amendment?

The path is Services > Registration > Amendment of Registration Non-Core Fields.

4. How long do I have to file the amendment after the change?

You must submit the amendment application within 15 days of the date of the change.

5. Can I amend HSN if a core amendment is pending?

No, if a core-field amendment ARN is pending approval, you cannot file a non-core amendment until it is resolved.

6. How many HSN codes can I add to my GST registration?

There is no limit. You can add multiple HSN codes in a single non-core amendment filing. The portal allows you to add all applicable product categories and their corresponding HSN codes under the Goods tab in one submission.

7. What is the penalty for using the wrong HSN code on GST invoices?

Under Section 122 of the CGST Act, issuing invoices with incorrect details, including wrong HSN codes, can attract a penalty of ₹10,000 or the tax amount involved, whichever is higher. If it results in tax short-payment, 18% interest also applies to the differential.

8. How do I find the correct HSN code for my product?

Use the HSN/SAC search tool on the GST portal under Services > User Services > Search HSN/SAC Code. Cross-check with the Customs Tariff Act schedule and CBIC notifications to confirm the applicable GST rate for that code.