A GST-compliant invoice for printing presses, digital print shops, and packaging printers with job-specific fields and correct HSN/SAC codes.
Printing businesses in India operate at the intersection of manufacturing and services, which creates unique GST classification challenges that this template resolves elegantly. The critical distinction is between printing as a supply of goods versus printing as a supply of services. When the printer supplies the paper and ink (own materials), it is treated as a supply of goods under HSN 4901-4911 (printed products). When the customer supplies the paper and the printer only provides the printing service, it is a supply of services under SAC 9989 (printing services). This distinction affects both the GST rate and the invoice format. Printed books, newspapers, and periodicals (HSN 4901-4902) are GST-exempt. Printed labels and stickers (HSN 4821) attract 12% GST. Printed cartons and packaging (HSN 4819) attract 18% GST. Business cards, letterheads, and stationery printing (HSN 4911) attract 12% GST. Flex and vinyl printing (HSN 3921) attracts 18% GST. The template includes print-job-specific fields that are essential for the industry: job number, paper specification (gsm, type, size), printing method (offset, digital, screen, flexo), number of colours, quantity (copies/sheets/running metres), and finishing details (lamination, binding, die-cutting, embossing). A plates and setup charge field is included for offset printing where initial setup costs are significant. The template also tracks artwork and design charges separately, which is important for print shops that offer design services alongside printing.
Offset printing press owners, digital print shop operators, screen printing businesses, packaging and label printers, flex and banner printing shops, book publishers and printers, newspaper printers, stationery printers, and print brokers who outsource and resell print jobs.
Step 1: Enter your printing press name, GSTIN, and address. Step 2: Enter the job number and customer details. Step 3: Classify whether this is a goods supply (your paper) or services supply (customer paper) and select the appropriate HSN or SAC code. Step 4: Enter paper specifications - type (art paper, maplitho, kraft, duplex board), gsm (80, 130, 170, 250, 300), and size (A4, A3, SRA3, custom). Step 5: Select the print method and number of colours. Step 6: Enter quantity (number of copies, sheets, or running metres). Step 7: Add plate charges, setup charges, and artwork charges as separate line items. Step 8: Add finishing charges (lamination, binding, die-cutting, UV coating) with quantities.
The GST treatment of printing depends on who supplies the content and materials. If the printer supplies materials and prints content specified by the customer, it is a supply of goods (HSN 4901-4911). If the customer provides the paper, it is a supply of services (SAC 9989, 18% GST). Printed books, newspapers, and periodicals in physical form are exempt from GST (HSN 4901-4902). Government printing (e.g., Gazette, exam papers) is treated as a composite supply. Job work on printing attracts 12% GST when the principal supplies materials.
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