Shreyansh Singh, an IIT Kanpur alumnus, has eight years of experience in the finance industry. He has spent 5 years at American Express developing mid to long-term strategies for multiple markets including US, Europe and India. Shreyansh currently leads Growth and Strategy initiatives at Pice.
GST on furniture varies by material—wood, metal, plastic, and bamboo—ranging from 5% to 28%.
Most standard wooden and metal furniture items attract an 18% GST rate, while luxury items fall under 28%.
HSN codes like 9403, 9404, 9405, and others determine GST classification for different furniture types.
Input Tax Credit (ITC) benefits under GST have reduced manufacturing costs and eliminated cascading taxes.
The GST regime brought uniformity, transparency, and simplified taxation compared to the earlier VAT structure.
Did you know that furniture costs vary based on the levied taxes? For example, if you are purchasing a wooden chair worth ₹2,000, including a standard 18% GST rate on furniture, the total cost will be ₹2,360.
Since 2017, the GST (Goods and Services Tax) has had a significant impact on the Indian furniture industry, valued at USD 5.53 billion. It is applied to furniture products ranging from bedding items to lighting fixtures.
Therefore, exploring the nuances of GST on furniture items and their relation to HSN codes is crucial for buyers as well as business owners. Let us explore this significant topic here.
GST Rates on Wooden Furniture
Wooden furniture is considered the most common essential in India. Therefore, the GST Council highlights their affordability when it comes to finalising GST rates.
The GST rate of furniture depends on the materials used. For example, the standard GST rate for wooden furniture is set at 18%, whereas the GST on plywood furniture is 28%.
It is necessary for furniture manufacturers and retailers to know specific GST slabs applied to their products to ensure compliance and accuracy.
Applicable GST Rates for Different Kinds of Wooden Furniture
Here is a list of different GST slabs of wooden furniture and the GST rate:
GST Slab
Wooden Items
NIL (GST exemption)
Charcoal wood, firewood or fuelwood, both agglomerated and non-agglomerated
5%
Wood chip particles, scrap, sawdust, both agglomerated and non-agglomerated in pellets, briquettes, logs, etc
Sawn wood, wood in the rough, bamboo flooring tiles, kitchenware, tableware, resin-bonded bamboo mat board, etc
28%
Oriented strand board (OSB), plywood, wooden frames for paintings, veneered panels, densified wood, etc.
HSN Code for Wooden Furniture
The Harmonised System of Nomenclature (HSN) code assists in classifying the goods. The World Customs Organisation (WCO) established this code to arrange goods from all over the world in a rational and standardised manner.
More than 200 countries worldwide utilise this code to classify products uniformly. Under the HSN code 9403, GST on furniture items made of woodis determined.
For example, the HSN code for wooden furniture used in offices is 940330 and for kitchen furniture is 940340.
GST on Steel and Metal Furniture
Since articles made up of steel and metals are more durable, the GST percentage of such furniture is set at 18%. Essential steel and metal furniture such as tables, chairs, office furniture, cabinets and almirahs come under this category.
Specialised metal equipment or customised furniture made with more than one base material comes under a different tax slab. For example, a glass table built with metal legs has a GST of 28%.
Here is a list of different GST slabs of steel and metal furniture and the GST rate:
GST Rate Slabs
Steel and Metal Furniture
18%
Furniture made out of steel, aluminium, and iron pipes, sheets, such as chairs, tables, cabinets etc.
28%
Luxury metal furniture, such as ready-to-assemble furniture, modular furniture systems, etc
HSN Code for Metal Furniture
Similar to wooden furniture, the GST rate on metal and steel furniture also depends on their HSN code, which is 94031010.
The HSN code for prefabricated buildings, such as greenhouses, and prefabricated housing materials is 9406. These types of furniture are expensive and attract a higher GST rate of 18%.
GST on Plastic Furniture
The GST rate of furniture made of plastic is 12%. It covers a vast range of plastic furniture items, such as tables, chairs, household items and storage units.
Depending on the purpose of the furniture and its customisation, the GST rate might differ. For example, plastic furniture with upholstery has an 18% GST rate.
HSN Code for Plastic Furniture
The HSN code for most of the furniture made of plastic is 940370. This code is used for furniture such as plastic chairs, storage units, tables, etc. For surgical and medical equipment, the HSN code is 9402, and the GST rate for this equipment is 18%.
Except for wooden, plastic and metal furniture, other types of essential furniture, such as mattresses, bedding and cushions, attract a GST rate of 12%. The HSN code for these products is 9404.
The GST rate for lighting fittings, LED lights, lamps, and various illuminated signs used for decorative purposes is 18%. The HSN code for these articles is 9405.
Bamboo furniture, such as handmade baskets, stools, and sofa sets, has a 12% GST rate, and the HSN code for these products is 94038200.
A concessional GST rate is specified for handicraft goods. For products such as handmade carpets, lace and pottery items, the GST is lower, at 5%.
Exemptions and Concessions on Furniture Under GST
Although most of the time, a standard GST rate is levied on furniture, there are certain exemptions and concessions:
Used Furniture
Usually, second-hand or used furniture is exempt or comes with a reduced GST rate. However, it completely depends on the condition of the article and its resale value.
Earlier, the tax amount of used furniture varied from one Indian state to another. However, since the GST implementation, a standard rate of 18% GST is levied.
Furniture Exports
Exported furniture from India does not have a GST rate. Furthermore, exporters have the authority to ask for an ITC (Input Tax Credit) refund. ITC refers to the tax amount paid during the production process of exported furniture.
Government Schemes and Incentives for Furniture
Some small-scale manufacturers receive subsidies and tax incentives from various Government schemes. Furthermore, when importers utilise imported raw materials to manufacture a piece of furniture, they receive customs duty concessions. These concessions reduce the cost of the final product significantly.
How GST Changed Furniture Taxation: A Pre and Post-GST Analysis
The GST implementation has changed the taxation system of the furniture industry completely. Here is how:
Pre-GST Era Tax on Furniture
In the pre-GST era, the Value Added Tax (VAT) regime was followed to govern the furniture industry. As a consequence, every state within India followed a different tax filing structure and increased complexity.
Both the retailers and small business manufacturers faced challenges due to the cascading effect of taxes. It forced the consumers to pay more.
Example of Pre-GST Scenario
Let us understand the scenario with an example:
If the selling price of a product was at: ₹7,000
VAT percentage on that selling price was at: 12.5% (₹875)
(Assuming) Input VAT credit on raw materials: 5% (₹100)
Net Tax Liability: ₹775
Post-GST Era Tax on Furniture
With the GST implementation, uniformity emerged in the tax structure. The following changes have come:
Most of the furniture materials now have a 12% tax levied.
Manufacturers and dealers claim credits on input taxes. It leads to cost savings.
A simplified tax structure has increased compliance for businesses.
Example of Post-GST Scenario (hypothetical)
Let us now understand the post-GST tax structure with an example:
If the selling price of a product is at: ₹7,000
GST on that selling price would be at: 12% (₹840)
(Assuming) ITC (Input Tax Credit) on raw materials, 18% GST on wood: ₹360
Net GST liability: ₹480
It is quite evident that with Goods & Services Tax implementation, the tax rate got higher, but it also enabled manufacturers and retailers to avail ITC, which reduced the tax burden.
Studies show that the GST rate of furniture has brought both challenges and benefits. The following are some noteworthy impacts:
Transparency has increased because of the streamlined tax structure.
Standardised furniture GST has unified the national market, so businesses operate easily across various states.
The elimination of the cascading effect of taxes has led to competitive pricing, lowering the cost burden on the manufacturers.
Consistently varying GST rates affect the final price of the product.
Since GST influences the final price of a product, it all depends on finding a balance between what a consumer prefers and their budget.
Advantages Of The New GST Structure For Furniture
Let us now look at the advantages of the new GST structure for the furniture industry:
Cheaper Manufacturing
Since manufacturers can now claim ITC (Input Tax Credit) on raw materials, this has reduced production costs.
Simplified Transaction Value
Uniformity in tax rates has made transaction value simpler.
Hidden Tax Elimination
The elimination of multiple hidden taxes, such as VAT, service tax and excise duty, has made determining product pricing clearer and GST calculation easier.
Business Expansion Simplified
Businesses can expand easily across state borders and grow efficiently.
Creditable Taxes
GST allows businesses to claim credits for input taxes. It reduces the effective tax rate and promotes business investments.
Reduction in Corruption and Fraud
The digitally accessible GST portal has significantly reduced the chances of corruption and tax evasion.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, if you are a manufacturer, retailer or consumer, knowing the right GST rate of furniture is crucial. The GST rate depends on multiple factors, such as the HSN code of the product, the base materials and its purpose.
So, having an understanding of all these factors is crucial. While essential furniture products have a standardised GST rate of 18%, luxurious and high-end furniture, such as luxury sofa sets, marble-topped tables, and imported decorative items, have a higher tax rate of 28%.
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FAQs
What is the GST rate on furniture in India?
The GST rate on furniture in India varies based on the material and category of the product. Standard wooden and metal furniture generally attracts an 18% GST rate. Luxury or high-end furniture items such as modular units, decorative pieces, and veneered panels fall under the 28% slab. Essential wooden products like firewood or packing cases may fall in lower GST slabs of 0–12%. Understanding the correct slab helps ensure accurate pricing and compliance.
How is GST on wooden furniture calculated?
GST on wooden furniture is applied based on the product's HSN code under chapter 9403. Most commonly used wooden furniture such as home and office tables, chairs, and cabinets attract an 18% GST rate. Items like plywood, veneered panels, and OSB boards attract a higher 28% rate. To calculate GST, simply apply the applicable percentage to the selling price of the product. Manufacturers must also consider input tax credit (ITC) on raw materials to reduce final liability.
What is the HSN code for different types of furniture?
The HSN code for general wooden furniture is 9403, which covers home, office, and modular units. Kitchen furniture uses code 940340, while office furniture is covered under 940330. Metal furniture typically falls under HSN 94031010, and prefabricated structures under 9406. Plastic furniture is classified under 940370, while mattresses and bedding items fall under 9404. Identifying the correct HSN code ensures accurate GST calculation and smooth compliance.
Are used or second-hand furniture items taxed under GST?
Yes, used furniture is taxed under GST, generally at 18%, depending on the product category. However, GST is applied only on the margin value, not the full selling price, when sold by registered dealers under the margin scheme. Private individuals selling old furniture are not required to charge GST. Earlier, taxes varied across states under VAT, but GST introduced uniformity. The GST rate and method depend on the condition, resale value, and the seller’s registration status.
How has GST impacted the furniture industry in India?
GST has brought uniformity and transparency to the furniture taxation system, replacing the earlier complex VAT and excise structure. Manufacturers now benefit from Input Tax Credit (ITC), which reduces production costs and enables competitive pricing. The elimination of cascading taxes has encouraged smoother inter-state business operations. However, varying GST slabs—especially the 28% slab—can increase final costs for luxury furniture. Overall, GST has improved compliance, boosted industry growth, and simplified tax procedures.
Shreyansh Singh, an IIT Kanpur alumnus, has eight years of experience in the finance industry. He has spent 5 years at American Express developing mid to long-term strategies for multiple markets including US, Europe and India. Shreyansh currently leads Growth and Strategy initiatives at Pice.
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