In India’s customs tariff, henna powder is listed under HSN code 1404 10 19. Henna leaves are 1404 10 11. Both sit in chapter 14, the chapter for plant materials used mainly for dyeing. That is the code most exporters put on a shipping bill. The GST rate is less settled. Henna sold as a packaged hair dye can be treated as a hair preparation under chapter 33, so the honest answer depends on what you are selling and to whom.
The henna powder HSN code for export
| Product | Indian tariff code | Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Henna leaves | 1404 10 11 | 14, raw vegetable materials used for dyeing |
| Henna powder | 1404 10 19 | 14, raw vegetable materials used for dyeing |
| Henna based hair colour preparations | 3305 heading | 33, preparations for use on the hair |
For plain henna powder shipped in bulk as a raw material, 1404 10 19 is the code on most Indian export papers. It is also the code our own shipments of henna powder carry. The first six digits are shared by most countries, and the last two are India’s own. Your buyer’s customs will file the same goods under their own national code.
Why GST on henna is not a single number
Search for the GST rate on henna and you will find two answers. Many tax guides list henna powder under 1404 at 5 percent. But in May 2020 the Rajasthan Authority for Advance Ruling took a different view, in order RAJ/AAR/2020-21/01. It held that mehndi and henna powder sold for use on hair is a hair preparation under chapter 33, taxed at 18 percent. An advance ruling binds only the business that asked for it, so it does not settle the question for everyone. It does show how the tax office may read a product that is sold and labelled as a hair dye.
How importers classify henna
Outside India, plain henna leaf and powder usually go under heading 1404, the heading for plant products used for dyeing. Finished hair colour products tend to go under heading 3305. The exact subheading, the duty and any extra rules depend on the destination. In the United States, for example, henna is allowed as a colour additive for hair only, not for direct use on skin. That shapes how body art products are labelled and sold there. In the EU, a henna product sold to consumers is regulated as a cosmetic, with its own safety and labelling duties on the brand that sells it.
The safest approach for an importer is simple. Send the product description, the lab report and the intended use to your customs broker before the first shipment. Then keep the same description on every later invoice.
Documents that travel with an export of henna powder
- Commercial invoice and packing list, showing the HSN code and an exact product description.
- Shipping bill filed with Indian customs at the port of export.
- Certificate of origin, which many buyers need to claim a trade agreement duty rate.
- Lab report for the lot, and a phytosanitary certificate where the destination asks for one.
- Bill of lading or air waybill, plus insurance where the terms are CIF.
A supplier who exports regularly prepares these as part of the quote, so that the paperwork and the price arrive together rather than as a surprise when the goods reach port.
Buying henna powder for export
We manufacture henna powder in Sojat, Rajasthan, in body art, hair and organic grades, and ship from Mundra port with the export papers your country needs. Our guide to Sojat henna powder explains why the region matters, and the same mill also supplies indigo powder and neutral henna. The minimum order for henna is 50 kg, and we send a free sample with its lab report before your first order.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HSN code for henna powder?
In India’s tariff, henna powder is 1404 10 19 and henna leaves are 1404 10 11, both in chapter 14. Henna sold as a finished hair colour preparation may fall under heading 3305 instead.
What is the GST rate on henna powder?
Many guides list 5 percent under chapter 14, but a 2020 Rajasthan advance ruling put henna sold for hair at 18 percent under chapter 33. Confirm the rate for your product with your accountant.
What is the HS code for henna in other countries?
Plain henna leaf and powder usually go under heading 1404, and finished hair colour products under 3305. The full subheading and duty depend on the destination’s tariff.
Is black henna classified the same way?
No. So called black henna often contains PPD or other chemicals, which makes it a chemical hair dye rather than a plant material. It is also a safety risk on skin. We supply only natural, PPD free henna.
Which documents do you send with a henna export?
Commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, lab report and, where needed, a phytosanitary certificate. We quote them with the price.
Specs change with the crop, the season and the grade. Ask our export desk for a current lab report, the minimum order and a price to your port, and we will come back within 24 hours.