The Ministry Of Commerce And Industry has issued the guidebook on mapping of Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) codes.
The Guidebook on Mapping of Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) Codes has been prepared by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen India’s domestic manufacturing ecosystem, enhance ease of doing business, and support sectoral development.
This initiative is a step towards unlocking new opportunities for industrial growth and trade facilitation.
This Guidebook is the outcome of a comprehensive and collaborative consultative process, involving active participation from various Ministries and Departments across the Government of India.
The government has extended the gratitude to all those who contributed by sharing valuable insights, offering sector-specific expertise, and engaging in constructive dialogue. Their collaboration has been instrumental in identifying key areas of alignment and shaping the findings presented in this report.
The Guidebook serves as a valuable reference for policymakers, industry stakeholders, trade bodies, researchers, and think tanks working towards building a more export-oriented, resilient, and sector-responsive industrial landscape in India.
The Guidebook maps over 12,000 HS codes to corresponding Ministries and Departments of the Government of India, based on a rigorous analysis of the Allocation of Business Rules (1961), the CBIC Tariff Manual, and extensive inter-ministerial consultations. This mapping provides clarity on product ownership, enabling Ministries/Departments to formulate targeted policies, support trade negotiations, and engage more effectively with industry stakeholders.
This mapping shall empower Ministries/Departments to adopt data-driven, outcome-oriented approaches to manufacturing development, investment promotion, and effective trade negotiations. It shall serve as a foundational tool for building a resilient, competitive, and future-ready manufacturing ecosystem.
The mapping of Harmonized System (HS) Codes to relevant Ministries and Departments shall enable targeted enhancement of India’s manufacturing capabilities, streamlining trade facilitation, and driving focused sectoral development. Out of 12,167 HS Codes, 11,651 have been accepted by 31 Ministries/Departments. The remaining 516 codes are grouped under a residual category with suggested Ministry alignments.
