HSN Code and GST Rate are two commonly used codes in international trade, especially in India. If you need to import and export goods to India, especially LED displays, it is crucial to know these two codes. This article will provide you with a detailed introduction to these two types of tax information and give you suggestions to choose the correct tax data.
Use this guide to find your product type and jump to the right section:
| Product Type | Go to Section |
| LED TV / Monitor | Section 2.1 – HSN Code 8528 |
| LED Video Wall / Billboard | Section 2.2 – HSN Code 8528 / 8531 |
| LED Components (LEDs, PCBs, etc.) | Section 2.3 – HSN Code 8541 / 8534 |
| Computer Monitor / Projector | Section 2.4 – HSN Code 8528 |
⚠️ Important: This guide is for reference only and does not constitute professional tax advice. Import duties and regulations can change. Always consult a licensed customs broker for your specific shipment.
Table of Contents
Part 1: Why This Matters for Your Business
Importing LED displays into India without the correct HSN Code and GST rate can lead to:
❌ Delayed customs clearance – goods stuck at port for weeks
❌ Unexpected tax bills – paying more than you budgeted
❌ Fines and penalties – for incorrect declaration
❌ Cargo detention – in serious cases
The good news: With the right information, you can avoid all of these problems.
This guide walks you through:
Step-by-step process to find the correct HSN Code
Current GST rates for LED displays and components
How to calculate your total import tax
Common mistakes to avoid
Part 2: Step-by-Step Action Guide
Step 1: Identify Your Product Type
Indian customs cares more about product use than product name.
| Question | Why it matters |
| What is the end use? | Commercial advertising vs home TV vs industrial monitoring |
| Is it complete or disassembled? | Complete unit vs parts have different codes |
| Does it include a tuner? | TVs with tuners have different codes than displays without |
Pro tip: Be honest about the intended use. Customs can inspect and penalize false declarations.
Step 2: Find the Correct 8-Digit HSN Code
Use the tables in Part 3 to find your product’s HSN Code. The first two digits for most display products are 85 (Chapter 85 – Electrical Equipment).
How to verify your code:
| Source | What it provides |
| GST Portal (www.gst.gov.in) | Official Indian HSN database |
| CBIC (cbic.gov.in) | Customs notifications and updates |
| WCO handbook | International classification standards |
Pro tip: Screenshot your search results. Save them for your records in case of audit.
Step 3: Calculate Your Total Import Tax
Importing to India involves more than just IGST. Here is the full formula:
Total Import Tax = BCD + SWS + IGST + (any applicable cess)
| Tax component | Typical rate for LED displays |
| BCD (Basic Customs Duty) | 0-10% (varies by product) |
| SWS (Social Welfare Surcharge) | 10% of BCD |
| IGST (Integrated GST) | 18% or 28% |
| Total | Approximately 18-35% |
Example calculation for a $10,000 LED display shipment:
| Component | Rate | Amount (USD) |
| Product value | – | $10,000 |
| BCD (5%) | 5% | $500 |
| SWS (10% of BCD) | 0.5% | $50 |
| IGST (18% of value + BCD + SWS) | ~18.9% | $1,995 |
| Total duty | ~25.5% | $2,545 |
Your actual rates may vary. Consult a broker for your specific product.
Step 4: Check Certification Requirements
| Certification | Required for |
| BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) | TVs, monitors, integrated displays – but NOT typically for commercial LED billboards |
| WPC (Wireless Planning & Coordination) | Displays with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or wireless connectivity |
| TEC (Telecommunication Engineering Centre) | Products with telecom interfaces |
Pro tip: If your product is clearly a commercial LED display for advertising, BIS is often NOT required. But customs has final authority.
Part 3: HSN Code & GST Rate Tables
3.1 HSN Code by Product Type
| Product | Common HSN Code | IGST Rate |
| LED / LCD TV (with tuner) | 85287212 | 18% or 28% |
| LED Monitor (computer use) | 85285900 | 18% |
| Projector (no TV function) | 85286200 / 85286900 | 18% |
| LED Video Wall (commercial display) | 85285910 | 18% |
| LED Billboard (standalone display) | 85285910 / 85312000 | 18% |
| LED Display Components (cabinets, power supplies) | Various (Chapter 83/84/85) | 18% |
| LED Lamps / Diodes | 85414100 / 85415900 | 18% |
| PCBs (printed circuit boards) | 85340000 | 18% |
| Mobile Phone | 85171211 | 18% |
3.2 Common HSN Codes for LED Displays
| HSN Code (8-digit) | Product description |
| 85285910 | LED video wall / commercial display screen |
| 85285900 | Other monitors (computer, non-TV) |
| 85287212 | LCD/LED television with screen size over 32 inches |
| 85312000 | Indicator panels with LEDs |
| 85414100 | Light emitting diodes (LEDs) |
| 85415900 | Semiconductor devices – others |
| 85340000 | Printed circuit boards |
3.3 GST Rate Summary
| Product category | IGST Rate | CGST + SGST (intra-state) |
| Commercial LED displays | 18% | 9% + 9% |
| Home TVs | 18% or 28% | 9% + 9% or 14% + 14% |
| LED components | 18% | 9% + 9% |
| Computer monitors | 18% | 9% + 9% |
Part 4: Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Consequence | How to avoid |
| Using the wrong HSN Code | Tax miscalculation, cargo delay | Double-check with official sources |
| Declaring by name, not use | Customs questions your intent | Focus on end-use, not product name |
| Ignoring BIS requirements | Cargo detained at port | Verify if your product needs BIS |
| Inconsistent documentation | Declaration rejected | Ensure same HSN on all documents |
| Not updating HSN annually | Using outdated codes | Check for annual updates from CBIC |
Part 5: How IvanLED Can Help
At IvanLED, we have over a decade of experience exporting LED displays to India and more than 100 other countries.
What we provide for your India shipment:
✅ Correct HSN Code and GST documentation
✅ Commercial invoice and packing list
✅ Technical specifications for customs
✅ Factory test reports
✅ Professional photos of goods
✅ Coordination with your customs broker
We cannot provide tax advice, but we can give you the accurate product information your broker needs to clear customs quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other taxes need to be considered for import to India?
Besides IGST, you need to consider Basic Customs Duty (BCD), Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS), and potentially export duty. Certification costs (BIS, WPC, TEC) may also apply.
Is it necessary to provide the HSN Code of components for a complete LED display?
Normally no. You only need the HSN Code for the complete unit. However, if the screen is shipped disassembled or documentation is unclear, customs may request component codes.
Does India require BIS certification for LED displays?
TVs, monitors, and integrated displays often require BIS. However, commercial LED billboards and large-format advertising displays are typically NOT required to have BIS certification. But final authority rests with customs.
What happens if I use the wrong HSN Code?
Minor errors may just require correction. If the error affects tax calculation, you may face additional taxes, interest, fines, or even cargo detention in serious cases.
Can different GST rates apply to one LED display shipment?
If the shipment contains different types of independent goods or spare parts, different HSN codes and rates may apply. But a fully functional single display unit cannot be split.
Does IvanLED provide BIS-certified products?
Our commercial LED displays are manufactured for global markets. For India, we work with customers to provide all technical documentation needed for customs clearance. Consult your broker about specific BIS requirements for your product type.
Need Help with Your India Shipment?
Preparing to export LED displays to India?
IvanLED can help you with:
Product classification for HSN Code
Accurate commercial documentation
Technical specifications for customs
Connection with experienced customs brokers
Tell us your product type and destination. We will provide the documentation you need for smooth customs clearance.
