GST on Namkeen: Latest GST Rate and HSN Code

As per the 56th GST Council meeting, the GST on namkeens and similar savoury items, such as fruit & vegetable chips, bhujias, snack foods, etc., has been revised for pre-packaged and labelled products.

In the following sections, let’s discuss the namkeen GST rate, scope, and HSN code.

Also, please note that in this article, we’re assuming that Namkeen is made using the following ingredients – gram pulse flour, refined edible oil, moongfali dana, pulses, tepary bean flour, spices, etc.

Key Takeaways

The 56th GST Council meeting has announced important updates with changes effective from 22nd September 2025:

• GST on pre-packaged and labelled namkeens, bhujia, mixtures, chabena, and similar edible preparations reduced from 12% to 5%.

Scope of Taxation of GST on Namkeen

Namkeen manufacturers with a registered brand name are liable to pay a GST of 12% on every sale. However, those with unregistered brand names are charged a GST rate of 5%. 

A manufacturer claiming to have an unregistered brand name has no enforceable right or actionable claim on its brand name. One can also voluntarily forgo their brand name. All they have to do is file an affidavit with the jurisdictional commissioner of Central Tax. 

However, to avoid paying 12% GST on namkeen, the manufacturers have to meet the following conditions:

• Print a disclaimer on their product containers/packaging. This disclaimer should mention that the manufacturer has voluntarily foregone its actionable claim or enforceable right on the brand. 
• It also means their retail pouches or wholesale packs should not have any trademark on registered brand names, symbols, logos, or any other information indicating the product belongs to them.

GST Rate on Namkeen and Savouries and HSN code

What is a Brand Name According to the Law?

As per Section 9 of the CGST Act, a brand name is a name or a mark, such label, symbol, signature, writing, or invented word, used to describe products. These elements are used to indicate a connection in the course of trade between the product and an entity. In this case, the entity is an individual using a name that may or may not define that person's identity. 

The brand names should be registered as on 15th May 2017 under the following laws: 

• Trade Marks Act, 1999, whether or not the brand name is later deregistered
• Copyright Act, 1957 
• Under any law that is in force in any other country. 

Are FSSAI Guidelines Considered a Part of a Brand Name?

Would the statutory requirements mandated by FSSAI, such as mentioning the name and registered address of the manufacturer, be connoted as a brand name? 

As per Rule 6 of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011, the ‘details of manufacturer’ are mandatory on the food package. Section 18 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 also states that without such details, no one can manufacture, distribute, sell, or expose for sale packaged food products that are not marked as specified by regulations.

So long as the manufacturer does not use the registered brand name, registered trademark, or registered symbol/logo on the product's packaging, they can add ‘details of manufacturer’ and use the concessional GST rate on namkeen.

GST on Namkeen/Savouries Bearing Someone else’s Brand Name

As per sub-section (1) of Section 5A of the Central Excise Act, SSI exemption is not applicable on goods bearing a brand or trade name of someone else. This goes whether or not the brand is registered. Small Scale Industry or SSI exemption is a relief given to small-scale industries under the Central Excise law. However, such exemptions do not apply to all goods. 

So, even if the manufacturer uses the name of some other company—even for indicating a connection between product and company—they will have to pay a GST on namkeen of 12%.