- HSN Code: 09103010
- GST Rate: 5%
- Export Policy: Free (No License Required)
- Chapter: 09 – Coffee, tea, maté and spices
India is the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric. If you process, trade, or export turmeric powder, using the correct HSN code is essential for GST invoicing, e-way bills, shipping bills, and export documentation.
This guide covers HSN code 09103010 – the correct classification for turmeric powder – along with GST rate, export policy, and RoDTEP applicability.
What Is Turmeric Powder?
Turmeric powder is produced by boiling, drying, and grinding turmeric rhizomes (Curcuma longa). It is used widely in food processing, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and as a direct cooking spice.
India accounts for over 75% of global turmeric production, with Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra being the major producing states. Export markets include the USA, Japan, UAE, UK, and Bangladesh.
HSN Code for Turmeric Powder – 09103010
The correct HSN code for turmeric powder is 09103010.
| Level | Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter | 09 | Coffee, tea, maté and spices |
| Heading | 0910 | Ginger, saffron, turmeric, thyme, bay leaves, curry and other spices |
| Sub-heading | 091030 | Turmeric (curcuma) |
| 8-digit | 09103010 | Turmeric powder (ground turmeric) |
⭐ Expert Tip (Avadhut Taru): Be careful with the classification! If you are exporting whole turmeric (bulbs or fingers), the HSN code changes to 09103020. Only use 09103010 for the powdered /ground form. Mixing these up on your Export Invoice can lead to delays during customs inspection.
Quick breakdown:
- 09 → Chapter: Coffee, tea, and spices
- 0910 → Heading: Turmeric and other spices
- 091030 → Sub-heading: Turmeric (curcuma) specifically
- 09103010 → Full 8-digit code for ground/powdered turmeric
Note: Whole or unprocessed turmeric (not powdered) uses a different 8-digit code – 09103020. Make sure you use 09103010 specifically for the powdered form on all invoices and shipping bills.
Turmeric Powder (09103010) vs. Whole Turmeric (09103020)
| Feature | Turmeric Powder | Whole Turmeric (Rhizomes) |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Ground / Fine Powder | Dried Bulbs or Fingers |
| HSN Code | 09103010 | 09103020 |
| Common Use | Retail spice packs | Wholesale / Extraction |
GST Rate on Turmeric Powder
GST rate: 5%
| Tax Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| CGST | 2.5% |
| SGST | 2.5% |
| IGST (interstate / export) | 5% |
Turmeric powder attracts a low 5% GST as an agricultural spice product. This rate applies to both retail-packed and bulk quantities.
For exports, IGST is zero-rated. Most regular exporters file a Letter of Undertaking (LUT) to export without paying IGST upfront – this avoids blocking working capital in refund cycles. Learn how LUT works: What is LUT in GST – How to File Form RFD-11 Before March 31
Verify the current rate on cbic-gst.gov.in before invoicing if you are unsure about any GST 2.0 revision.
Export Policy for Turmeric Powder
Export Policy: FREE
Turmeric powder is classified under the Free export category as per Schedule II of India’s ITC-HS Export Policy. In practical terms, this means:
- No export licence required
- No quantity or value restriction
- No prior approval from DGFT or APEDA
- Only a valid IEC (Importer Exporter Code) is required to begin exporting
If you are a turmeric processor or farmer-exporter starting out, getting your IEC registered is the first mandatory step. Read: What is IEC Code – How to Apply for Import Export Code in India (2026)
APEDA Registration: While not mandatory for export permission, APEDA registration is strongly recommended for spice exporters. It enables access to export promotion schemes, buyer databases, and certification support.
RoDTEP and Duty Drawback for Turmeric Powder
RoDTEP: Turmeric powder under ITC-HS 09103010 is covered under India’s RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) scheme. The exact rate is notified by DGFT and is subject to periodic revision. Always check the current RoDTEP schedule at dgft.gov.in before filing your shipping bill.
Duty Drawback: If you import any packaging material, processing chemicals, or other inputs used in turmeric powder production, you may be eligible for All Industry Rate (AIR) drawback. Consult your Customs House Agent (CHA) for the applicable drawback schedule and eligibility.
To avoid claim rejection, your export invoice must correctly include IEC, GSTIN, LUT or bond reference, and shipping bill details. Use the Export Invoice Generator to create fully compliant, India-specific export invoices with all mandatory GST and customs fields.
Who Searches for HSN Code 09103010?
This article is relevant for:
- Spice processors and grinders filing GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B returns
- Turmeric exporters preparing commercial invoices and shipping bills
- Farmer-producer organisations (FPOs) entering export markets directly
- Wholesale traders raising B2B invoices for bulk turmeric powder supply
- CAs and tax consultants advising agri-commodity clients on HSN classification
Practical example: A spice processing unit in Erode procures raw turmeric, grinds and packs it in 50 kg bags, and exports to a food manufacturer in Japan. They file a shipping bill using ITC-HS 09103010, reference their LUT on the commercial invoice to export IGST-free, and claim RoDTEP credit post-shipment through ICEGATE.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HSN code for turmeric powder?
The HSN code for turmeric powder is 09103010. This 8-digit ITC-HS code is used on GST invoices, e-way bills, shipping bills, and all export documentation.
What is the GST rate on turmeric powder?
Turmeric powder attracts 5% GST – 2.5% CGST and 2.5% SGST for intra-state transactions, or 5% IGST for interstate supply. Exports are zero-rated under GST.
Is turmeric powder export free or restricted?
Turmeric powder is in the Free export category under India’s Foreign Trade Policy (Schedule II). No export licence or DGFT approval is needed – only a valid IEC code is required.
What is the difference between HSN 09103010 and 09103020?
09103010 is the code for turmeric in powdered (ground) form. 09103020 applies to whole or unprocessed turmeric. Always use the code that matches the actual form of your product to avoid customs or GST mismatches.
Is turmeric powder eligible for RoDTEP?
Yes, turmeric powder under ITC-HS 09103010 is covered under the RoDTEP scheme. Check the current rate on the DGFT website (dgft.gov.in) as it is revised periodically.
Avadhut Taru is the founder of ImpexKit, an engineer by background, and a researcher focused on simplifying import-export documentation and compliance for Indian businesses. Through detailed study of GST regulations, DGFT procedures, customs rules, and exporter compliance requirements, he creates practical tools and educational guides designed to make trade paperwork simpler, faster, and more accessible for Indian exporters.