GST Rate on Mobile Phones & Accessories in India (2025-26)
The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system has fundamentally changed how we pay for our devices in India, replacing a complex web of different state taxes with one single rate. Whether you are buying a basic feature phone for a family member or the latest flagship smartphone, the tax amount remains consistent across every city and state. This uniformity helps you know exactly what you are paying at checkout, without any hidden regional costs. While the government recently simplified several tax slabs in late 2025 the mobile sector remains a key contributor to the economy, keeping its stable tax structure into the 2025-26 period.
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Current GST Rates for 2025-2026
For the current 2025-26 cycle, almost all mobile devices and their essential add-ons fall under the 18% GST slab. This includes everything from the phone itself to the cables you use to charge it.
Item Category
HSN Code
GST Rate
Mobile Phones (Smartphones & Feature)
8517
18%
Chargers and Adapters
8504
18%
Power Banks
8507
18%
Lithium-ion Batteries
8507 60
18%
Headphones, Earphones, Speakers
8518
18%
Memory Cards
8523
18%
Screen Protectors (Tempered Glass/Plastic)
7007 / 3919
18%
Note: While many household items like ACs and TVs were reduced to 18% from higher brackets in 2025, mobile phones were already at 18% and saw no further change.
The Breakdown: CGST, SGST, and IGST
When you look at your bill, you might see the 18% tax split into different names.7 This depends on where you are buying the phone from.
- Intra-state Purchase (Same State):
If you walk into a local shop in your own state, the tax is shared between the center and your state government. It shows as 9% CGST and 9% SGST. - Inter-state Purchase (Different State):
If you order a phone from an online platform like Amazon or Flipkart and it ships from a warehouse in another state, you will see a single 18% IGST on your invoice.
Buying a Phone for Your Business
One of the biggest advantages for business owners and freelancers is the ability to offset the tax paid on a mobile phone.
- Input Tax Credit (ITC): If you are a GST-registered business and buy a phone for work use, you can claim the 18% GST back. For a phone costing ₹50,000, you could essentially save ₹9,000 in taxes.
- What You Need: To do this, you must have a proper tax invoice that mentions your business GSTIN, the correct HSN code (8517 for phones), and the tax breakdown.
- The Catch: You cannot claim this credit for phones bought for personal or family use; it must be for the furtherance of your business.
GST on Mobile Repairs and Spare Parts
Keeping your phone running also involves taxes. If you crack your screen or need a battery replacement in 2025-26, the costs are fairly standard.
- Repair Services: The labor charge for fixing your phone attracts 18% GST.
- Spare Parts: Replacement parts like new displays, charging ports, and camera modules are also taxed at 18%.
- Bundled Bills: Most service centers will give you a single bill including both parts and labor, all calculated at the 18% rate.
The Story of Imported Phones
If you are eyeing a premium device that is imported from abroad, the tax works a little differently because it includes customs duty.
- Basic Customs Duty (BCD): In the 2024-25 budget, the government reduced the duty on imported phones and chargers from 20% to 15%.
- GST Calculation: The 18% GST is then applied to the value of the phone plus the customs duty. This is why imported phones often feel more expensive than those made locally in India.
Is There Any Benefit in Waiting for a Sale?
While the 18% GST rate is fixed by the government and doesn't change during Diwali or New Year sales, e-commerce platforms often offer discounts on the base price. Since GST is calculated on the final selling price, a lower base price means you also end up paying less in total tax during these festive events.
Conclusion
For the 2025-26 period, the GST on mobile phones and their accessories is a standard 18% across the board. This makes the tax system easy to understand for everyone, from the casual buyer to the large-scale retailer. While the dream of a lower tax slab for entry-level phones hasn't materialized yet, the current system ensures that you are treated fairly regardless of which state you live in. By keeping an eye on your invoices and ensuring they have the correct HSN codes, you can stay compliant and, if you are a business owner, even save some money through tax credits.