Before GST was implemented silver was taxed by 1% excise duty and 1% VAT and this tax structure varied based on state regulations. The tax structure for buying and selling silver was complicated! However, when GST was introduced, it reduced these multiple taxes and introduced a flat 3% GST rate under the current tax system.
Let’s understand the GST rate for different silver products with different HSN codes and learn how to calculate taxes with examples.
Businesses can easily follow tax rules under GST due to the standardised HSN (Harmonised System of Nomenclature) code 7106 for silver items. However, there are different HSN codes defined for various forms of silver products, such as silver powder, silver sheets, silver bars, etc. This helps avoid confusion, simplifies tax filing, and makes the trade process smooth.
Let’s look at GST rates on various silver products, along with their HSN codes.
Silver Items | HSN Code | GST Rate |
Silver (including gold or platinum-plated silver) unwrought or in semi-manufactured forms or powder form | 7106 | 3% |
Silver powder | 71061000 | 3% |
Unwrought Silver | 710691 | 3% |
Other Unwrought Silver | 71069100 | 3% |
Silver grains | 71069110 | 3% |
Other forms of silver | 71069190 | 3% |
Semi-manufactured silver | 710692 | 3% |
Sheets, Plates, Strips, Tubes and Pipes | 71069210 | 3% |
Silver Bar | 71069220 | 3% |
Other semi-manufactured silver | 71069290 | 3% |
The types of taxes imposed on silver under the GST law include CGST, SGST/UTGST and IGST, depending on the place of supply. It is in line with taxes imposed on any other precious metals.
The final price of silver depends on factors such as taxes, hallmarking, and making charges. Use the below formula to calculate the price after taxation.
Silver price = (Silver price per gram x Volume of silver purchased x Purity of the silver) + 3% GST
This may also include making charges with GST again.
Let’s say you’re buying 1% purity silver of 100 gm.
Price of silver = (95 x100 x1) = Rs.9,500
GST charges = 3% (95 x100 x1) = Rs.285
Total price of silver = 9,500 + 285 = Rs.9,785
Let’s assume the making charges for the jewellery is 5%.
So, the total price will be = Rs.9,785 + 5% of Rs.9,785 = Rs.10,274.25
The formula provides buyers with transparent cost information about the silver they purchased relative to both its weight and purity levels.
Let’s see how GST has influenced its overall cost and taxation.
Here is a comparison table of silver prices before and after GST to understand how it impacts buyers' current purchasing power.
Particulars | Pre-GST Price | Post-GST Price |
Silver price (1 kg) | 99,500 | 99,500 |
Custom Duty (10%) | 9,950 | 9,950 |
Sub-total | 1,09,450 | 1,09,450 |
Excise duty (1%) | 1,094 | NA |
Sub-total | 1,10, 544 | 1,09,450 |
VAT (1%) | 1,105 | NA |
Sub-total | 1,11,649 | 1,09,450 |
GST on silver (3%) | NA | 3,284 |
sub-total | 1,11,649 | 1,11,734 |
Making charges on 1KG (12% of 99,500) | 7,920 | 7,920 |
sub-total | 119,569 | 1,20,654 |
GST on making chargers (5%) | NA | 496 |
sub-total | 1,19,569 | 1,21,150 |
With GST, the final price of 1kg of silver has increased due to the 3% GST on silver and additional GST on making charges.