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Rakesh, a scrap dealer based in Pune, sells aluminium waste scrap to a registered metal recycling plant. The invoice value is ₹200,000. According to the GST law, aluminium scrap attracts 18% GST. Therefore, the GST amounts to ₹36,000 (₹200,000 × 18%). This brings the total invoice value to ₹236,000.
Since the buyer is a registered dealer, they must deduct tax at source (TDS) at 2%, which equals ₹4,720. As a result, Rakesh receives ₹231,280.
This example highlights how important it is to understand the GST implications when selling scrap in India.
What is Scrap Under GST?
In business, ‘scrap’ refers to discarded waste material that can be reused or recycled. The GST regime does not provide a separate legal definition for ‘scrap’, but the government taxes it based on the nature of the material and the corresponding HSN code.
Scrap does not need to be manufactured or mechanically processed to be taxable. The GST rate depends on the material type, and businesses can usually claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) when they purchase scrap for commercial use.
Accurate knowledge of the applicable GST rate and HSN code for each type of scrap material is crucial in recycling and waste management, ensuring both regulatory compliance and correct invoicing.
Let’s start with a practical numerical example to understand how GST applies to scrap sales in a real-world situation.
Vijay is a registered scrap dealer based in Indore. He sells copper waste scrap worth ₹5,00,000 to a cable manufacturing company that uses recycled copper.
Now, since both Vijay and the buyer are registered under GST, the buyer can claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on the ₹90,000 paid.
This example highlights how correctly identifying the HSN code and GST rate helps businesses maintain compliance while ensuring smooth credit flow.
Here’s a comprehensive list of commonly traded scrap materials, their respective HSN Codes, and the applicable GST rates:
Metals such as copper, aluminium, tin, zinc, steel, bronze, nickel, and cermets are subject to 18% GST. Why? These materials are:
This higher tax rate allows buyers to claim full Input Tax Credit (ITC), helping reduce their net GST burden.
Example: Ramesh, a Delhi-based manufacturer of electrical components, purchases ₹10,00,000 worth of copper scrap (HSN 7404) from a certified scrap vendor.
Because the copper is used in his production process, Ramesh can claim the ₹1,80,000 as ITC when filing GST returns, reducing his tax outgo.
Items like paper waste, wood scrap, some rubber materials, packing crates, and e-waste are taxed at 5% GST. These materials:
This lower tax rate encourages recycling at the grassroots level and ensures that smaller businesses in waste management remain viable.
The buyer, being a GST-registered business, can claim ₹10,000 as ITC, while Neha remains compliant without overburdening her clients.
This exemption ensures that such public sanitation-related waste is recycled or treated without adding a tax burden.
Pharmaceutical waste, excluding contraceptives, is taxed at 12% under HSN code 3006. This category includes:
*T&C Apply
Why 12%? Disposal of such materials is environmentally sensitive and may still hold chemical or industrial value upon treatment. The tax helps monitor and regulate such transactions while allowing recyclers to reclaim ITC.
Since the recycler is GST-registered, they can claim the ₹60,000 as ITC, while the government keeps track of pharmaceutical waste movement.
The scrap industry has seen a few important regulatory updates in 2024–2025 to ensure improved tax compliance, especially for businesses dealing with metal scrap. Below are the key updates that every scrap dealer or buyer should be aware of:
As per the 54th GST Council meeting, a 2% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is now applicable when a registered person sells metal scrap to another registered business. This change is aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in scrap sales, particularly in high-volume metal trading.
In line with updated GST compliance rules, the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) has issued an advisory that requires all registered taxpayers dealing in scrap to report their TDS deductions accurately in their GST returns, beginning in October 2024.
This means if you're a scrap dealer or buyer involved in such transactions, you must:
Failing to do so may result in compliance penalties or a delay in claiming Input Tax Credit (ITC).
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has also released an advisory stating that scrap dealers must obtain a specific GST registration using Form REG-07. This form is to be used by those who are required to deduct TDS or collect TCS under the GST law.
The GST portal is expected to enable this registration pathway soon, and dealers should keep an eye out for its release.
Under Section 51 of the CGST Act, any registered buyer purchasing metal scrap from a registered dealer must deduct 2% TDS on the entire invoice value, including the GST component.
This is a significant shift because earlier TDS was generally calculated on the base amount. Now, even the GST amount is included in the TDS base, leading to a slightly higher deduction.
Let’s consider a real-world transaction to understand how this works.
Example: A registered scrap dealer sells metal scrap worth ₹1,00,000 to a registered manufacturing unit. The GST applicable is 18%, i.e., ₹18,000.
So, the buyer will deduct ₹2,360 as TDS and pay only ₹1,15,640 to the scrap dealer. The remaining ₹2,360 is deposited with the government and can be viewed in the GSTR-7 return filed by the buyer.
Yes, businesses can claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on scrap purchases under GST, but only if certain conditions are met. The scrap must be used for business-related activities like manufacturing, trading, or providing services, and proper documentation must be maintained.
Since the company uses the aluminium scrap to manufacture engine parts, and they have received a valid tax invoice with the vendor’s GSTIN and correct HSN code, they can claim the entire ₹18,000 as ITC in their monthly GST return (GSTR-3B).
However, if the same company had purchased scrap from an unregistered seller or failed to obtain a valid invoice, the ITC would not be claimable, regardless of its business use.
In late 2024, the Iron Scrap Traders Association of Mandi Gobindgarh—one of India’s largest metal trading hubs- announced an indefinite strike in protest against the GST authorities. The strike followed rising disputes over allegations of fake billing and increased enforcement actions by tax officials.
This strike highlighted the need for clearer implementation and less harassment under GST, especially for traders working with high-volume, low-margin business models.
While large businesses may have tax teams or software support, small and mid-size scrap traders face unique challenges:
Sharma Scrap Traders is a small firm that buys mixed scrap metal, rubber, and e-waste worth ₹500,000 each month. The company deals with more than 20 vendors, many of whom delay filing GSTR-1 or submit incorrect HSN codes.
As a result, tax authorities partially disallow Sharma’s Input Tax Credit (ITC) claim of ₹90,000 (18%), which hurts the company’s monthly cash flow. This situation highlights the need for GST software tools or professional support, especially when managing a high volume of transactions.
GST on scrap sales in India, especially on metals, plastic, and electronic waste, has become a well-regulated area, with tax rates ranging from 5% to 18% depending on the type of material. While claiming Input Tax Credit (ITC) on scrap purchases is allowed for business use, it is only possible if proper documentation and vendor compliance are ensured.
Recent government updates, such as the mandatory 2% TDS deduction, compulsory GST REG-07 registration, and GSTR return precision, signal a tighter regulatory environment. The 2024 trader strike further exposed the need for clearer rules and better support for honest scrap dealers.
For scrap businesses to remain profitable and compliant, it’s critical to know the correct HSN codes, issue valid invoices, and monitor your suppliers’ GST filings. As the sector grows more digitised and automated, the right tax practices will help traders of all sizes maintain cleaner books and avoid penalties.
Q1: Can I claim ITC on scrap purchased from a registered vendor?
Yes, but only if you have a valid tax invoice and use the scrap for business.
Q2: What is the GST rate on aluminium scrap?
Aluminium scrap is taxed at 18% under HSN code 7602.
Q3: Is TDS applicable to scrap sales between registered businesses?
Yes, as per the 54th GST Council update, 2% TDS must be deducted.
Q4: Can I sell scrap without GST registration?
No, if your turnover exceeds the threshold or you're dealing in taxable scrap, GST registration is mandatory.
Q5: What’s the biggest risk in claiming ITC on scrap purchases?
Your ITC can be blocked or disallowed if your vendor doesn’t file GSTR-1 correctly or the HSN code is incorrect.
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