HSN Codes for Automobile Spare Parts: Complete 2024 Reference Guide
Picking the wrong HSN code is one of the most common GST mistakes auto parts dealers make — and it’s also one of the most expensive. A wrong HSN code means the wrong GST rate, which can lead to GST notices, penalties, and ITC reversals for your buyers.
This guide gives you a complete, practical reference for the most common automobile spare parts categories. Bookmark this page.
What Is an HSN Code and Why Does It Matter?
HSN stands for Harmonised System of Nomenclature — a globally standardised system for classifying goods. India’s GST system uses HSN codes to determine the tax rate for every product.
For your auto spare parts shop, every item you sell must have an HSN code. When you raise a GST invoice:
- The HSN code determines whether you charge 5%, 12%, 18%, or 28% GST
- The HSN code appears in your GSTR-1 summary (Table 12)
- Your buyer uses the HSN code to claim ITC correctly
Mandatory HSN codes:
- Turnover ₹5 crore+: 8-digit HSN mandatory on all invoices
- Turnover ₹1.5 crore to ₹5 crore: 4-digit HSN mandatory
- Turnover below ₹1.5 crore: HSN optional but recommended
GST Rates at a Glance for Auto Parts
Most automobile spare parts fall into one of these GST slabs:
| GST Rate | What Typically Falls Here |
|---|
| 5% | Very few auto parts |
| 12% | Some specialty items |
| 18% | Most spare parts, accessories, lubricants |
| 28% | Engine parts, tyres, certain components |
COMPLETE HSN CODE REFERENCE — AUTOMOBILE SPARE PARTS
ENGINE COMPONENTS
| Item | HSN Code | GST Rate |
|---|
| Parts of engines (petrol/diesel) | 8409 | 28% |
| Pistons, piston rings | 8409 9100 | 28% |
| Engine cylinder blocks, cylinder heads | 8409 9100 | 28% |
| Crankshafts and camshafts | 8483 | 18% |
| Valves (inlet and exhaust) | 8481 | 18% |
| Gaskets and sets of gaskets | 8484 | 18% |
| Engine bearings | 8482 | 18% |
| Carburettors | 8409 9100 | 28% |
| Fuel injectors | 8409 9100 | 28% |
| Turbochargers | 8414 | 18% |
| Timing chains and belts | 4010 | 18% |
TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAIN
| Item | HSN Code | GST Rate |
|---|
| Gearboxes (transmission) | 8708 4000 | 28% |
| Clutch plates and discs | 8708 9300 | 28% |
| Propeller shafts and CV joints | 8708 5000 | 28% |
| Differential assemblies | 8708 4000 | 28% |
| Flywheel | 8708 9900 | 28% |
BRAKING SYSTEM
| Item | HSN Code | GST Rate |
|---|
| Brakes (drum and disc) | 8708 3000 | 28% |
| Brake pads (friction material) | 6813 | 18% |
| Brake shoes | 8708 3000 | 28% |
| Brake fluid | 3819 | 18% |
| Master cylinder (brake) | 8708 3000 | 28% |
| ABS sensors | 8708 3000 | 28% |
| Brake discs / rotors | 8708 3000 | 28% |
SUSPENSION & STEERING
| Item | HSN Code | GST Rate |
|---|
| Shock absorbers | 8708 8000 | 28% |
| Struts | 8708 8000 | 28% |
| Ball joints and tie rod ends | 8708 9400 | 28% |
| Steering rack and gear | 8708 9400 | 28% |
| Power steering pump | 8708 9400 | 28% |
| Control arm bushings | 8708 9400 | 28% |
| Coil springs and leaf springs | 7320 | 18% |
| Stabiliser / anti-roll bar | 8708 9400 | 28% |
FILTERS
| Item | HSN Code | GST Rate |
|---|
| Oil filters | 8421 2300 | 18% |
| Air filters | 8421 3100 | 18% |
| Fuel filters | 8421 2300 | 18% |
| Cabin filters (AC filter) | 8421 3900 | 18% |
ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
| Item | HSN Code | GST Rate |
|---|
| Batteries (automotive) | 8507 1000 | 18% |
| Alternators | 8511 5000 | 18% |
| Starter motors | 8511 4000 | 18% |
| Ignition coils | 8511 2000 | 18% |
| Spark plugs | 8511 1000 | 18% |
| Glow plugs (diesel) | 8511 1000 | 18% |
| Distributors | 8511 3000 | 18% |
| Relays and fuses | 8536 | 18% |
| Wiring harness | 8544 | 18% |
| Horn (electric) | 8512 3000 | 18% |
LIGHTING
| Item | HSN Code | GST Rate |
|---|
| Headlamps (assembled) | 8512 2000 | 18% |
| Tail lamps | 8512 2000 | 18% |
| LED bulbs (automotive) | 8539 5000 | 18% |
| Halogen bulbs | 8539 2100 | 18% |
| Indicators (signal lamps) | 8512 2000 | 18% |
COOLING SYSTEM
| Item | HSN Code | GST Rate |
|---|
| Radiators | 8708 9100 | 28% |
| Water pumps | 8413 | 18% |
| Thermostat | 9032 | 18% |
| Cooling fans and fan belts | 8414 / 4010 | 18% |
| Coolant (anti-freeze) | 3820 | 18% |
TYRES, TUBES & WHEELS
| Item | HSN Code | GST Rate |
|---|
| Pneumatic tyres (new) | 4011 | 28% |
| Retreaded tyres | 4012 | 18% |
| Inner tubes | 4013 | 28% |
| Wheel rims (steel) | 8708 7000 | 28% |
| Alloy wheels | 8708 7000 | 28% |
| Wheel covers / hub caps | 8708 7000 | 28% |
| Tyre sealant / puncture repair | 3506 | 18% |
LUBRICANTS & FLUIDS
| Item | HSN Code | GST Rate |
|---|
| Engine oil (mineral) | 2710 1981 | 18% |
| Engine oil (synthetic) | 2710 1981 | 18% |
| Gear oil / transmission fluid | 2710 1993 | 18% |
| Grease | 2710 1970 | 18% |
| Power steering fluid | 2710 1993 | 18% |
| Windshield washer fluid | 3820 | 18% |
BODY PARTS & ACCESSORIES
| Item | HSN Code | GST Rate |
|---|
| Windshield / windscreen glass | 7007 2100 | 18% |
| Side mirrors (exterior) | 7009 1000 | 18% |
| Bumper (plastic) | 8708 1000 | 28% |
| Bonnet / hood | 8708 2900 | 28% |
| Door panels | 8708 2900 | 28% |
| Seat covers (fabric/leather) | 8714 9900 | 18% |
| Floor mats | 5705 | 12% |
| Cargo liners | 3926 / 5705 | 18%/12% |
| Mud flaps / splash guards | 8708 9900 | 28% |
EXHAUST SYSTEM
| Item | HSN Code | GST Rate |
|---|
| Catalytic converter | 8421 3900 | 18% |
| Muffler / silencer | 8708 9200 | 28% |
| Exhaust pipe / manifold | 8708 9200 | 28% |
WORKSHOP CONSUMABLES & TOOLS
| Item | HSN Code | GST Rate |
|---|
| Sandpaper / abrasives | 6805 | 18% |
| Workshop tools (hand tools) | 8205 / 8467 | 18% |
| Paint (automotive) | 3208 | 18% |
| Primer | 3208 | 18% |
| Welding rods / electrodes | 8311 | 18% |
| WD-40 / penetrating oil | 3403 | 18% |
| Cleaning compounds | 3402 | 18% |
How to Find the Right HSN Code for Unusual Items
- Use the GST Portal’s HSN search: Go to gst.gov.in → Services → User Services → Search HSN Code
- Use India’s Customs Tariff Book: Available on cbic.gov.in
- Ask your CA: For expensive or high-volume items, get a written opinion
- Check your supplier’s invoice: Your supplier should already have the correct HSN on their invoice
What Happens If You Use the Wrong HSN Code?
Using a wrong HSN code can result in:
- Wrong GST rate charged — If you charged 18% but the correct rate is 28%, you’ve under-collected GST. The shortfall is your liability.
- GSTR-1 mismatch — Tax authorities use HSN data for analytics. Consistent misclassification attracts notices.
- Buyer’s ITC rejection — If your buyer claims ITC under a wrong HSN, it can be reversed during their audit.
- GST notice and penalty — Persistent misclassification = GST notice = legal costs + penalty.
How Billing Software Handles HSN Codes Automatically
The best way to avoid HSN mistakes is to set the correct code once, when you add an item to your inventory — and then never worry about it again.
In Wrenchly, when you add an inventory item:
- Enter the item name
- The system suggests an HSN code based on the product description
- You confirm or override it
- Every future invoice for that item automatically uses the correct HSN code and GST rate
No mental mapping at the time of billing. No chance of charging the wrong GST rate under pressure at the counter.
→ Try Wrenchly free for 14 days — HSN codes, GSTR-1, and inventory managed automatically.
Related reading:
Disclaimer: HSN codes and GST rates are subject to change. Always verify with your CA or the official GST portal before filing. This guide is for general reference only.
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