GST Rate on Books and Newspaper

GST rate for books and newspaper are classified under chapter 49 of the HSN code. With GST set to be implemented in India from 1st July 2017, the

GST council decided on the GST rates for goods and services in a meeting held on 18th May 2017. In this article, we look at the GST rate for books and newspaper in detail.

NOT Taxable under GST

Printed books, including braille books and newspaper, periodicals & journals, maps, atlas, chart & globe are not taxable under GST.

GST Rate for Brochures

Brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets are taxable at 5% GST rate.

Click here to know about the HSN and GST Rate for Books, Newspapers, and Calendars

GST Rate of 12%

Any other type of printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry, manuscripts, typescripts and plans not mentioned above are taxable at 12% GST. The following are some of the goods taxable at 12% GST:

Children's picture, drawing or colouring books.
Music, printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated.
Plans and drawings for architectural, engineering, industrial, commercial, topographical or similar originals drawn by hand; hand-written texts; photographic reproductions on sensitised paper and carbon copies of the foregoing.
Unused postage, revenue or similar stamps of current or new issue in the country in which they have, or will have, a recognised face value; stamp impressed paper; banknotes; cheque forms; stock, share or bond certificates and similar documents of title.
Printed or illustrated postcards; printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings.
Calendars of any kind, printed, including calendar blocks.
Other printed matter, including printed pictures and photographs; such as Trade advertising material, Commercial catalogues and the like, printed Posters, Commercial catalogues, Printed inlay cards, Pictures, designs and photographs, Plan and drawings for architectural engineering, industrial, commercial, topographical or similar purposes reproduced with the aid of computer or any other devices.

Click here to know about the GST rate for paper, paperboard and paper products.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about GST Rates for Books and Newspapers.

According to the article, printed books, including braille books, newspapers, periodicals, journals, maps, atlases, charts, and globes are not taxable under GST. They are exempt from GST.

Yes, the article states that brochures, leaflets, and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets, are taxable at a 5% GST rate.

The article mentions that any other type of printed books, newspapers, pictures, and other products of the printing industry not specifically mentioned as exempt are taxable at a 12% GST rate. This includes children's picture, drawing, or coloring books.

Yes, the article lists printed or illustrated postcards, printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages, or announcements, with or without envelopes or trimmings, as being taxable at a 12% GST rate.

According to the article, calendars of any kind, printed, including calendar blocks, are taxable at a 12% GST rate.

Yes, the article states that music, printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated, is taxable at a 12% GST rate.

No, the article specifically mentions that plans and drawings for architectural, engineering, industrial, commercial, topographical or similar purposes, whether originals drawn by hand or photographic reproductions, are taxable at a 12% GST rate.

Yes, the article lists unused postage, revenue or similar stamps of current or new issue, stamp-impressed paper, banknotes, cheque forms, stock, share or bond certificates, and similar documents of title as being taxable at a 12% GST rate.

Yes, the article includes trade advertising material, commercial catalogues, and printed posters under the category of "other printed matter" that is taxable at a 12% GST rate.

Yes, the article mentions that pictures, designs, and photographs, as well as plans and drawings reproduced with the aid of computers or other devices, fall under the category of "other printed matter" taxable at a 12% GST rate.