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Published on:

February 24, 2026

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GST Rates & HSN Code for Precious Metal Ores (2616)

Businesses operating in the minerals and ores sector must be aware of GST rates as well as proper HSN classification. For example, it is important for a gold, silver or precious metal ore to be classified under a specific HSN Code so that businesses will know which GST rate applies to their products. This will help ensure accurate billing, compliance with all laws, and ease of claiming input tax credit.

What is HSN Code 2616

An Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) is a globally recognized method of classifying goods for the purposes of customs and GST documentation. In India, HSN Code 2616 is used to classify ores and concentrates of precious metals (gold and silver), prior to any extraction, smelting or refining, and in their raw or semi-processed forms that are obtained through mining. HSN Classification for Gold and Silver Ore and Concentrates 2616, helps you determine the proper GST rate to charge on these materials, helps ensure that the tax rate will be the same regardless of where you sell these materials, and provides you with a more simplified way to enter the information onto your GST return and Invoice.

GST Rate on Precious Metal Ores (HSN 2616)

According to the most recent GST rate schedule in India:

The GST Rate of 5% applies equally to all precious metal ore products (HSN code 2616) Such as silver, gold, platinum group metals, and all other precious metals ores and concentrates prior to refiner/smelt/refine/value-addition processes.

The above materials are classified as raw or semi-processed materials and receive a concessional GST rate in order to encourage mining and related mineral development activities.

Businesses engaged in the exploration, extraction, and initial processing of Precious Metal Ores must keep in mind that these products cannot be converted into Bullion, Bars, Alloys, or finished jewellery or they will incur higher GST rates.

Correct classification of these products under HSN 2616 will help prevent disputes, ensure compliance, and provide a seamless input tax credit.

Refer this: Metal Mountings GST Rates & HSN Code 8302

Why Proper HSN Classification Matters

The HSN classification is of paramount importance for the following reasons :

Classification determines the appropriate GST rate applicable on the sale/purchase of goods/services.

Improperly classified HSN codes create additional GST liability, penalties, interest and notices from the tax department.

Additionally, improperly classified HSN codes will create discrepancies in the return filed and additional delays in issuing refunds.

Misleading classifications will prevent you from claiming Input Tax Credits (ITC). The audits will also potentially result in a reversal of part of your ITC that you received.

Proper utilisation of HSN creates consistency in the taxation of goods and services throughout all States and industries, eliminating confusion for both the buyer and supplier.

It also provides ease of customs clearance when importing/exporting goods.

Tip: To ensure you're using the correct subheading (e.g., 26161000 - Ores of Silver), please double check against the CBIC notifications and the GST Tariff Schedule prior to issuing your invoice and applying for your e-way bill and submitting your GST return. Also, save all supporting documentation for your products (e.g., test reports, product specifications) to support your HSN classification in the event of an assessment or audit.

Practical Examples

The supplier supplies an ore made of silver:

HSN: 26161000

GST: 5%

The material being sold is classified as ore or concentrate (i.e. ore that has not been further processed into either ingots or jewellery or otherwise refined) and therefore falls under HSN 2616.

The miner sells a raw concentrate that was created through the following method and contains raw gold ore:

HSN: 26169010

GST: 5%.

It should be noted, again, that although the ore has been partially concentrated (for ease of transport) it remains classified as ore, not as a finished precious metal.

Bulk mix precious metal ores (i.e. without identifying which of the metals is the dominant one):

HSN: 26169090.

GST: 5%.

Such code applies to ores containing a mixture of precious metals or if the dominant metal cannot be definitively determined.

The importation of precious metal ores for refining:

HSN: 2616 (by reference to the relevant sub-heading).

GST: 5%.

The importer should ensure that the goods are properly classified at the time of importing for the purposes of avoiding any possibility of overpaying GST or having to contest the classification through a GST assessment dispute.

Sale to customers of tailings containing traces of precious metals:

HSN: 2616 (as per Tailings).

GST: 5%.

In conclusion, if the tailing or residue still qualifies as precious metal ore or concentrate that is traceable back to and within the composition of the tailing/residue it will continue to be taxed under the same section of HSN.

GST Compliance Tips for Ores & Minerals

Accuracy of Invoices

Before calculating GST, all tax invoices must include a six or an eight-digit HSN code. If there are any inaccuracies with regard to the HSN codes on your tax invoices, or if the HSN codes are missing entirely, the transaction on the return will not match, which could lead to notices and/or penalties.

Accurate Description of Products

It is important to add specific, detailed descriptions of the products, including the HSN code, for example "Gold Ore Concentrate" or "Silver Ore"; this differentiation will allow you to clearly identify Ores and Concentrates and avoid incorrect reporting of taxes on the basis of Bullion or Jewellery, both which are classified in a higher GST category.

Classification of Material and Processing Stages

To determine the correct classification of the product you are selling for tax purposes, you will need to know what stage the material is in (Ore/Concentrate=HSN2616=5%GST) versus what the stage of the product is (Refined/Processed Metal, Bullion, Bars and Jewellery=GST higher than above). One of the most prevalent reasons for non-compliance is misclassification of the product according to its processing stage.

Input Tax Credit (ITC Documentation)

Maintain complete records that will help verify the eligibility for Input Tax Credit (ITC):

Purchase invoices

Mining lease agreements

Transport challans/e-way bills

Assay/lab reports (if applicable).

All of these documents will assist in establishing eligibility for Input Tax Credit as well as provide assistance during an audit or department verification process.

Utilize the CBIC / GST Tariff Lookup Portals

Check the Official CBIC or GST Tariff Lookup Portals - these resources provide the MOST RELIABLE source(s) of confirmation, particularly if you are involved in Export / Import Transactions. You should avoid relying on informal/third-party resources or summaries.

Maintain Consistency Across Returns

Always ensure that your HSN code coincides with the products that are listed on your invoices.

Maintain Consistency Across Returns

Stay informed (Stay up to date on GST notifications) Every day, GST rates and HSN interpretations are updated:

CBIC circulars

GST Council decisions

Tariff amendments

Track the updates diligently to ensure that GST rates are being applied accurately.

Refer here: GST rates and HSN code 2530 for Mineral Substances

GST Rates & HSN Code for Precious Metal Ores (2616)

HSN Code	Description of Goods	GST Rate
2616	Precious metal ores and concentrates (general heading)	5%
26161000	Silver ores and concentrates	5%
26169010	Gold ores and concentrates	5%
26169020	Platinum ores and concentrates	5%
26169030	Ores of other precious metals	5%
26169090	Other precious metal ores and concentrates (not elsewhere specified)	5%

Conclusion

In India, Goods and Services Tax (GST) has a rate of 5% on Precious Metal Ores, which fall under HSN Code 2616. Businesses need to classify their products correctly so that they are not penalized for misclassifying them when submitting GST returns. Businesses also need to be aware that GST rates may be amended by legislation, so businesses should regularly confirm any changes in rates applicable to their products and maintain accurate transaction records of precious metals.

FAQs

Should I include HSN Codes on my GST Invoice?

Indeed, the only way for businesses to obtain the proper taxation and input tax credit eligibility when filing GSTRs with the Government is by including Product Classification (HSN) Codes on all B2B invoices.

What is the GST rate for precious metal ores in India?

Under India’s GST, the rate is currently 5% for HS Code 2616, "Precious Metals and their Concentrates".

Does HSN Code 2616 include both gold and silver ores?

HSN Code 2616 includes both gold and silver ores and other types of precious metals.

How should mixed mineral ores be classified under GST?

Mixed minerals can be classified for GST purposes according to their metal content. If while determining the predominant metal content, precious metals are established to be predominant, then please use HS Code 2616 to classify this as a Precious Metal Ore.

Can GST rates change for HSN Code 2616?

GST can and will be amended to reflect changes as determined by the GST Council. The official updates of GST rates and slabs will be published periodically by the CBIC. Please stay up-to-date and refer to the latest notifications for GST.

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