Namkeen HSN Code & GST Rate in India

The HSN code for namkeen is generally 210690, covering ready-to-eat savoury preparations such as bhujia, mixture and chabena. The commonly used eight-digit classification is 21069099, where the product meets the relevant tariff description.

Qualifying namkeen products attract 5% GST under the revised GST rate structure effective 22 September 2025.

What Is the HSN Code for Namkeen?

Namkeen is generally classified under HSN 2106 — Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included.

The relevant classification hierarchy is:

• Chapter 21: Miscellaneous edible preparations

• Heading 2106: Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included

• Subheading 210690: Other food preparations

• Tariff item 21069099: Other food preparations, commonly used for qualifying namkeen products

This classification generally covers traditional ready-to-eat namkeen, including bhujia and savoury mixtures, when no more specific heading applies.

Namkeen HSN Code – Quick Summary

Which Types of Namkeen Fall Under HSN 210690?

HSN 210690 covers qualifying ready-to-eat savoury preparations, including:

• Bhujia: Fried savoury preparations commonly made using gram flour and spices.

• Namkeen mixtures: Combinations of fried or roasted savoury ingredients.

• Chabena: Ready-to-eat savoury snack mixtures.

• Sev: Thin, fried savoury preparations, where classified as namkeen.

• Other traditional namkeen: Similar ready-to-eat preparations that meet the tariff description.

The exact HSN classification depends on the product’s ingredients, preparation method and characteristics.

GST Rate on Namkeen in India

Qualifying ready-to-eat namkeen, bhujia, mixture and similar preparations under HSN 210690 attract 5% GST under the revised rate structure.

For an applicable intra-state supply:

• 2.5% CGST

• 2.5% SGST

For an applicable inter-state supply:

• 5% IGST

GST on Packaged and Unpackaged Namkeen

Earlier GST schedules distinguished between pre-packaged and labelled namkeen and other qualifying namkeen supplies.

Under the revised GST rate structure effective 22 September 2025, qualifying namkeen products attract 5% GST.

Businesses should use the applicable current rate rather than relying on older references showing 12% GST for packaged namkeen.

Is HSN 19059090 Correct for Namkeen?

HSN 19059090 falls under Heading 1905, which covers bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and other bakers’ wares.

It should not be treated as the universal HSN code for traditional namkeen.

Ready-to-eat namkeen, bhujia, mixture and chabena are specifically recognised under HSN 210690 for GST purposes.

However, certain baked snacks or products with different compositions may require classification under Heading 1905 or another appropriate heading.

How Is Namkeen Different from Other Snack Products?

Not every snack sold in a grocery store belongs to the same HSN category.

These headings are indicative. The final classification depends on the actual product and the relevant tariff description.

How to Identify the Correct HSN for Namkeen

Before assigning an HSN code, businesses should check:

1. Ingredients: Whether the product is primarily made from gram flour, cereals, potatoes or other ingredients.

2. Preparation method: Whether it is fried, roasted, baked or processed differently.

3. Product characteristics: Whether it qualifies as a ready-to-eat namkeen preparation.

4. Tariff description: Whether a more specific heading applies.

For conventional bhujia and namkeen mixtures, HSN 210690 is generally the relevant classification.

Sources

• Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) — GST Goods and Services Rates, HSN 210690
• GST Council — 56th GST Council meeting recommendations and September 2025 rate changes
• Government of India — Customs Tariff, Chapter 21
• CBIC — GST rate notifications applicable to namkeen, bhujia, mixture and similar edible preparations

Last Reviewed: 8 October 2026