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GST on Construction Material: Rates, HSN Codes & ITC Rules (2025-26)

Cement attracts 28% GST — the highest rate among construction materials. Steel TMT bars, tiles, PVC pipes, paints, and glass all fall at 18%. Bricks and sand are taxed at 5%, while AAC blocks and plywood sit at 12%. Builders selling under-construction flats can claim ITC; ITC is blocked for completed properties sold after occupancy certificate.
28%
GST on cement (HSN 2523) — single biggest material cost-driver in Indian construction. Applies to all Portland, white, blended, and aluminous cement variants.

GST Rates on Construction Materials — Full List

Material HSN Code GST Rate Notes
Cement (all types)252328%Portland, white, blended, aluminous
Steel TMT bars / rebar7213 / 721418%Angles, channels, beams included
Common burnt clay bricks69015% / 12%5% without ITC; 12% with ITC option
AAC blocks (autoclaved)681012%Lightweight aerated concrete blocks
Fly ash bricks68155%Eco-friendly alternative to clay bricks
Ceramic / vitrified tiles690718%Floor and wall tiles, all varieties
Marble & granite (polished)680228%Rough / unpolished blocks: 12%
Natural sand25055%River sand, M-sand, manufactured sand
Gravel / crushed stone25175%Aggregate for concrete and road base
Plywood / blockboard441212%Interior woodwork panels
Paints & varnishes3208 / 320918%Emulsion, enamel, primer, distemper
PVC pipes & fittings391718%Plumbing and drainage
Glass (flat / toughened)7005 / 700718%Window panes, facades, partitions
Electrical wires & cables854418%Wiring, conduits, cables
Wooden doors & windows441812%Solid wood frames and shutters
Aluminium doors / profiles761018%Aluminium sections, curtain walls
Waterproofing compounds382418%Chemical admixtures for concrete
Ready-mix concrete (RMC)382418%Supplied as a finished product
Steel wire mesh / BRC731418%Slab and road reinforcement mesh
Sanitary ware (WC, basins)691018%Ceramic sanitary fixtures

ITC on Construction Materials — When Allowed?

Scenario ITC Available? Legal Basis
Builder selling completed flatsNo (blocked)Section 17(5)(d) CGST Act
Builder selling under-construction flatsProportionate ITC allowedWorks contract — taxable supply
Commercial building for renting outYesUsed for taxable GST supply (rental)
Factory / plant constructionYes (for contractor)Plant and machinery exception
Residential for self-useNoPersonal consumption — blocked

Works Contract GST Rates (Labour + Material)

Works Contract Type GST Rate
Affordable housing (PMAY / govt. scheme)12%
Commercial construction works contract18%
Government civil construction (roads, bridges)12%
Private residential construction contract18%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GST rate on cement?
Cement attracts 28% GST under HSN code 2523 — the highest slab applied to any construction material. This covers Portland cement, white cement, blended cement, and aluminous cement. The 28% rate significantly increases the cost of construction and has been a subject of industry demand for rate reduction.
Are ceramic and vitrified tiles taxed at 18% GST?
Yes, all ceramic tiles, vitrified tiles, porcelain tiles, and mosaic tiles attract 18% GST under HSN code 6907. This applies to both floor tiles and wall tiles. Marble and granite (polished slabs) fall at 28% GST under HSN 6802, while rough unpolished marble blocks attract only 12%.
What is the GST rate on steel bars used in construction?
Steel TMT bars, reinforcement bars (rebars), angles, channels, and beams used in construction attract 18% GST under HSN codes 7213 and 7214. All structural steel for building purposes falls in the 18% slab, making it the second-highest rate after cement in the construction material category.
Can builders claim ITC on construction materials purchased for a project?
ITC on construction materials is blocked under Section 17(5)(d) of the CGST Act when the building is intended for sale after completion. ITC IS available if: the building is used for commercial renting (taxable supply), or the project is a factory or plant (plant and machinery exception). Builders selling under-construction flats can claim proportionate ITC on materials used.
What GST rate applies to imported building materials?
Imported building materials attract IGST at the same rate as domestic GST, plus Basic Customs Duty (BCD). For example, imported cement would attract 28% IGST at the time of import along with applicable customs duties. The importer can claim ITC on the IGST paid at import, subject to normal ITC eligibility rules under GST.

Last updated: 3 June 2026