On 1st July 2017, Goods and Services Tax (GST) was implemented in India. GST replaced several different indirect taxes in India such as Service Tax, VAT, Central Excise, etc. In this article, we discuss the GST rates and HSN codes applicable on laptops in India.
In the pre-GST era, VAT was levied on the sale of laptops at the rate of 14-15%, depending on the state in which the sale was made.
GST is now levied at a rate of 18% on laptops, hence taking the total price a little higher than what consumers would have paid in the pre-GST era.
Laptops and desktops come under Chapter 84 of HSN. These are listed under the chapter head 8471 ‘Automatic data processing machines and units thereof; magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, not elsewhere specified or included’.
The chapter includes personal computers, laptops and micro-computers. Here’s a look at HSN codes on computer devices and accessories under chapter 84:
8471 – Four-digit HSN code for laptops, desktops and other personal computers
8471 – Four-digit HSN code for printers, keyboards and USB storage devices.
8528 – Four-digit HSN code for computer monitors not exceeding 32 inches
8528 – Four-digit HSN code for monitors (other than computer monitors not exceeding 32 inches)
8443 – Four-digit HSN code for printers
8471 – Four-digit HSN code for computer keyboards, mouse, and other input devices; USB drives, hard disks and other storage devices.
Here is the complete GST rate list on laptops, desktops and other computer accessories-
Equipment | GST Rate |
Laptops | 18% |
Desktop computers | 18% |
Desktop monitors (up to 32 inches) | 18% |
Desktop monitors (more than 32 inches) | 28% |
Hard drives | 18% |
External hard drives | 18% |
Pen drives | 18% |
Optical drives | 18% |
Goods and Services Tax (GST) replaced various indirect taxes in India on 1st July 2017. VAT was levied at 14-15% on laptops pre-GST, while post GST, laptops are taxed at 18%. Laptops fall under Chapter 84 HSN code 8471. GST rates on laptops, desktops, and computer accessories vary between 18-28%.