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GST on Silver: Tax Rates, HSN Code and Calculation

By Annapoorna

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Updated on: May 13th, 2025

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5 min read

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.  

GST Rates on Silver with HSN Code

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 CodeGST Rate
Silver (including gold or platinum-plated silver) unwrought or in semi-manufactured forms or powder form71063%
Silver powder710610003%
Unwrought Silver7106913%
Other Unwrought Silver710691003%
Silver grains710691103%
Other forms of silver710691903%
Semi-manufactured silver7106923%
Sheets, Plates, Strips, Tubes and Pipes710692103%
Silver Bar710692203%
Other semi-manufactured silver710692903%

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.

How to Calculate the Silver Price

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.

Impact of GST on Silver

Here is a comparison table of silver prices before and after GST to understand how it impacts buyers' current purchasing power. 

ParticularsPre-GST  PricePost-GST Price
Silver price (1 kg)99,50099,500
Custom Duty (10%)9,9509,950
Sub-total1,09,4501,09,450
Excise duty (1%)1,094NA
Sub-total1,10, 5441,09,450
VAT (1%)1,105NA
Sub-total1,11,6491,09,450
GST on silver (3%)NA3,284
sub-total1,11,6491,11,734
Making charges on 1KG (12% of 99,500)7,9207,920
sub-total119,5691,20,654
GST on making chargers (5%)NA496
sub-total1,19,5691,21,150

With GST, the final price of 1kg of silver has increased due to the 3% GST on silver and additional GST on making charges. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GST rate for silver in India?

The GST rate of Silver in India is 3%. This applies to silver in all forms, including bars, grains, unwrought silver, and silver powder. Before GST, silver was taxed under excise duty and VAT, but now a unified tax rate simplifies its tax rate.

How is GST calculated on the purchase of silver?

GST on silver is calculated using this formula 

Silver price = (Silver price per gram x Volume of silver purchased x Purity of the silver) + 3% GST

Can we claim GST on silver?

Business taxpayers registered under GST can recover Input Tax Credit (ITC) for silver purchases when they use it to create jewellery items. Personal silver buyers do not qualify to obtain GST refunds although they may use silver as a personal asset.

How much silver is tax-free?

There is no specific tax exemption for silver purchases. Any silver bought is subject to a 3% GST and customs duties (if imported). However, small individual purchases may not attract income tax scrutiny unless sold for capital gains.

What is the HSN code for plain silver?

The HSN code for plain silver is 7106. This industry classification encompasses unwrought silver as well as semi-manufactured silver and silver powder all of which attract GST at the rate of 3%. 

What is the VAT on silver?

Before GST, the VAT on silver was 1%, which varied with state. But now, after GST, the VAT is 3% across India.

Is GST applicable on the import of silver in India?

Yes, GST is applicable to imported silver. When importing silver, the buyer must pay 10% of customs duty and 3% GST. 

What is the HSN code for silver ornaments?

The HSN code for silver ornaments is 7113. This category includes silver jewellery, chains, rings, and decorative items, all taxed at 3% GST under the Indian tax system.

Can businesses claim an Input Tax Credit (ITC) on the purchase of silver?

Yes, businesses registered under GST can claim ITC on silver purchases if used for business purposes, such as jewellery production on resale. Business customers registered for GST can obtain Input Tax Credit on silver purchases, but this benefit is unavailable to people who make individual purchases.

About the Author

I preach the words, “Learning never exhausts the mind.” An aspiring CA and a passionate content writer having 4+ years of hands-on experience in deciphering jargon in Indian GST, Income Tax, off late also into the much larger Indian finance ecosystem, I love curating content in various forms to the interest of tax professionals, and enterprises, both big and small. While not writing, you can catch me singing Shāstriya Sangeetha and tuning my violin ;). Read more

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