Is there GST charged on freight?

Asked by: Dr. Julius Spinka V  |  Last update: July 25, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (13 votes)

Yes, GST (or HST in Canada) is generally charged on freight, delivery, and transportation charges, as they are considered part of a taxable supply. Rates vary based on the mode of transport and location:

Is there any GST on freight charges?

Yes, GST is applicable on freight charges when the service is provided by a Goods Transport Agency (GTA). A GTA is any person or business that provides transport services in goods carriages and issues a consignment note.

Do you pay GST on freight?

Most domestic transport and logistics services are taxable and attract the standard 10% GST. This includes: Freight and cargo handling within Australia.

Do you have to pay GST on freight?

In most cases, GST is applied to the taxable value of imports, which includes the cost of the goods, insurance and freight (CIF).

Does GST get charged on shipping?

The GST is applied to transportation services at either at the current rate percent or at 0 percent (zero-rated). PURE DOMESTIC MOVEMENTS When the shipment origin and destination are in Canada, the GST/HST/QST will be applied at the appropriate rate percentage based on destination.

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19 related questions found

Do you pay GST before or after shipping?

All duty and GST will have to be paid in full prior to delivery.

Is freight zero rated or exempt?

International freight transport was zero-rated at the start of VAT in 1973. The zero rate also applied to related services such as the handling of cargo, the handling of exports and imports, and intermediary services in arranging any of these.

Is freight to be added while calculating GST?

Yes, GST is applied to freight charges in India.

What transactions are not subject to GST?

These include bank transfers between accounts, stamp duty, depreciation and salary/wages. These are purchases/sales that have a 0% GST rate. Examples include, purchasing items from overseas (exports); purchasing items from within Australia that are not subject to GST, eg. fresh food, some education.

Who can charge 18% GST?

The majority of food items fall under the 5% GST slab. However, under the GST 2.0 reform, restaurants within hotels are now classified as 'specified premises' and are subject to 18% GST. Standalone restaurants, on the other hand, can choose between charging 5% GST or 18% GST.

Is GST payable on export freight?

(Goods Going Out of India)

It was valid until September 30, 2022. After that, the exemption ended, and export freight became taxable again. From October 1, 2022, shipping lines or freight service providers must charge GST on export freight services.

What is the GST rate for packing and freight charges?

If you only require transportation services, the GST rate is 5%. For a comprehensive package including packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking, the GST rate is 18%.

Does shipping charge include GST?

Yes. As per GST supply rules , delivery, shipping, or transportation charges are considered part of a composite supply when billed along with the main product or service. This means: If a seller charges separately for delivery, GST is applied at the same rate as the main product or service.

What is the GST code for freight?

The HSN code for freight under GST is 996531. It's essential for you to know this code when invoicing freight services.

Are freight charges exempt from GST?

Yes, there is a GST of 18% on domestic air freight services in India. However, the current rules exempt export air freight, that is, when goods are shipped from India to a foreign location.

What transactions are exempt from GST?

Common Examples of GST Exempt Transactions:

Financial services – Most banking services, interest payments, and insurance premiums. Residential rent – Rental income from residential properties. Donated goods and services – Items or services that are given away without payment.

Who pays GST on transportation?

Pure transportation of goods services is mostly provided by the unorganised sector and hence they have been specifically excluded from the tax net. In respect of GTA, the liability to pay GST falls on the recipients under reverse charge in most of the cases. However, the GTA may opt to pay under forward charge.

What is freight exempt?

What is Exempt Freight? Exempt freight includes commodities that are perishable or that can expire. Things that haven't been processed, like dairy products and hay bales, are classified as exempt.

What is not covered by VAT?

Exempt goods and services

There are some goods and services on which VAT is not charged, including: insurance, finance and credit. education and training. fundraising events by charities.

What qualifies for freight?

Typically, any shipment over 150 lbs. is considered freight. Freight shipping is transported in bulk by ship, aircraft, truck, or intermodal via train and road.

Are shipping costs subject to GST?

In all cases, fees for shipping goods are subject to the GST/HST.

How do I know when to pay GST?

GST payment is to be made when the GSTR 3 is filed i.e by 20th of the next month.

Can GST be charged on delivery?

A GST registered redeliverer will charge GST on the cost of their services and the value of the goods when delivering goods to you. The overseas business that makes the original sale shouldn't charge GST as they're not sending the goods to Australia.