HSN code 5601 is the Customs Tariff heading for wadding of textile materials and articles thereof, textile fibres, not exceeding 5 mm in length (flock), textile dust and mill neps, in Chapter 56 (Wadding, felt and nonwovens; special yarns; twine, cordage, ropes and cables and articles thereof). Goods of this heading are taxed at 5% or 18%, depending on the exact description: 2 rate entries name this heading. Rates are from 9/2025-Central Tax (Rate), as amended, as of 2026-10-21.
GST rate entries for HSN 5601
These are the entries of the current GST rate notifications whose column (2) names heading 5601 or one of its sub-headings or tariff items. The description is the notification's own wording; the goods must match it for the rate to apply.
| HSN scope | Description of goods (notification wording) | GST | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5601 | Wadding of textile materials and articles thereof; such as Absorbent cotton wool except cigarette filter rods | 5% | 9/2025-CT(R), Schedule I, S. No. 349 |
| 5601 22 00 | Cigarette Filter rods | 18% | 9/2025-CT(R), Schedule II, S. No. 196 |
- 9/2025-CT(R), Schedule II, S. No. 196: This entry covers only the sub-heading or tariff item 5601 22 00 within heading 5601.
Goods of heading 5601 that do not match any description above fall under the residual entry, Schedule II S. No. 639 ("Goods which are not specified in Schedule I, III, IV, V, VI or VII"), at 18%, unless an "Any Chapter" entry or the nil-rated list of Notification 10/2025-Central Tax (Rate) covers them by description.
CGST, SGST and IGST split for HSN 5601
The rate notifications fix the central tax (CGST). State tax (SGST, or UTGST in a Union territory without a legislature) is levied at the same rate under the matching state notifications, and IGST on an inter-State supply equals the two together.
| Total GST | CGST | SGST / UTGST | IGST |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% | 2.5% | 2.5% | 5% |
| 18% | 9% | 9% | 18% |
Worked example: a ₹1,000 sale under HSN 5601
- At 5%: taxable value ₹1,000.00. Within your state, CGST ₹25.00 + SGST ₹25.00 = ₹50.00, invoice total ₹1,050.00. To a buyer in another state, IGST ₹50.00, the same total.
- At 18%: taxable value ₹1,000.00. Within your state, CGST ₹90.00 + SGST ₹90.00 = ₹180.00, invoice total ₹1,180.00. To a buyer in another state, IGST ₹180.00, the same total.
For any other amount, the GST calculator gives the same split, and works backwards from a tax-inclusive price.
Choosing the right entry under 5601
Heading 5601 carries 2 different rates, so the 4-digit code alone does not tell you the tax. Read the description in column (3) of each entry against your goods, and where an entry names a sub-heading or tariff item (6 or 8 digits), compare your goods' full code. The more specific description wins over a general one under the rules of interpretation that the notification applies.
How to write HSN 5601 on an invoice
Notification 78/2020-Central Tax sets the number of HSN digits on a tax invoice by the aggregate turnover of the previous financial year. Up to ₹5 crore, print at least 4 digits (5601) on invoices to registered buyers; HSN may be left off invoices to unregistered buyers. Above ₹5 crore, print 6 digits on every tax invoice. Many sellers print the full 8-digit tariff item anyway, because it matches the shipping bill for exports and shows which entry you used, which matters for 5601 because its rate changes with the description.
Charge CGST and SGST when the buyer is in your state and IGST when the place of supply is another state. The invoice also needs your GSTIN, the buyer's GSTIN for B2B sales, the invoice number and date, the quantity, the taxable value and the tax at each rate. The HSN-wise summary in GSTR-1 is built from the same codes, so set the code once per item in your billing software. Make a one-off bill with the free GST invoice generator, or bill every day in FundRaksha Book, which stores the HSN and rate on each item and splits the tax for you.
Other headings in Chapter 56
Chapter 56 of the Customs Tariff is Wadding, felt and nonwovens; special yarns; twine, cordage, ropes and cables and articles thereof. This list has 9 of its headings, each with its own page. See all Chapter 56 headings.
- HSN 5602: Felt, whether or not impregnated (5%)
- HSN 5603: Nonwovens (5%)
- HSN 5604: Rubber thread and cord (5%)
- HSN 5605: Metallised yarn (5%)
- HSN 5606: Gimped yarn, and strip and the like (5%)
- HSN 5607: Twine, cordage, ropes and cables (5%)
- HSN 5608: Knotted netting of twine (5%)
- HSN 5609: Articles of yarn (5%)