Can you sell on Amazon India without a GST number?
Yes, but only in limited cases. You may list and sell GST-exempt goods without a GSTIN, but for most taxable products (and for FBA) Amazon requires GST registration. Read on for the exact rules, practical steps, risks and how Infobeam Solution can help you stay compliant and scale.
Why GST matters for online sellers
GST (Goods and Services Tax) is India’s indirect tax on supply of goods and services. The law sets registration thresholds and defines which supplies are taxable, zero-rated or exempt. If your business crosses the turnover threshold you must register and comply with filing rules. Current thresholds are ₹40 lakh for most goods and ₹20 lakh for services (lower thresholds apply in certain special category states). Always confirm the latest limits before deciding.
When you can sell without GST on Amazon
You can sell without a GSTIN only if all the following are true:
You sell only GST-exempt goods. Examples include certain unprocessed agricultural products, some printed books and other exempt items — but the list is specific and conditional. Check official category lists.
Your turnover stays below the GST registration threshold. If you cross the threshold you must register and start charging/filing GST.
You are not using Amazon FBA for those SKUs. Amazon’s FBA program and many marketplace operations require GST registration for sellers using fulfilment services.
If any one of these conditions fails, you should register for GST before continuing to sell that SKU on Amazon.
Common GST-exempt product examples
Amazon and GST guidance lists many items that are exempt or zero-rated. Common examples often include:
Certain unbranded agricultural produce and fresh foods.
Printed books and some educational materials.
Specific handicrafts and handloom products (subject to rules).
Important: exemptions are detailed and conditional — don’t assume a product is exempt without checking the official list or a tax advisor.
What Amazon requires
Taxable goods: Sellers listing taxable goods must provide a valid GSTIN and comply with invoicing and TCS/TDS rules as applicable. Amazon’s seller help pages clearly state GST is required for taxable supplies via the marketplace.
FBA sellers: If you send stock to Amazon fulfilment centres (FBA), Amazon expects GST registration for sellers supplying taxable goods — FBA often triggers state registrations too.
KYC & onboarding: Amazon may still ask for GST details during onboarding even if you claim exemption — they require declarations or supporting documents for exempt items.
Step-by-step: How to sell on Amazon without GST (if your product is exempt)
Verify exemption: Check the official exempt list and Amazon’s GST-exempt categories. Do not assume.
- Register on Amazon as the right business type: For many small sellers this means selecting “Individual / Proprietor” during signup. Complete KYC and provide the required identity proofs.
List only exempt SKUs: While listing, choose the correct category and attach any required declarations or evidence that your SKU is exempt.
Avoid FBA for exempt SKUs: Use FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant) if you lack a GSTIN — otherwise Amazon may require GST for fulfilment and warehousing.
Monitor turnover constantly: If cumulative turnover crosses the GST threshold, register immediately and update Amazon with your GSTIN.
Risks of selling without GST
Account restrictions or delisting if Amazon flags your listings as taxable but you don’t provide GST details.
Back taxes & penalties if you cross the threshold and fail to register or file returns. Government enforcement (UPI data checks, etc.) has increased recently — be proactive.
Limited growth options: You cannot use FBA, many ad features and certain categories without GST.
No ITC (Input Tax Credit) — you cannot claim taxes paid on inputs if you are unregistered, reducing margin.
Should you just get GST?
For most sellers who intend to scale, use FBA, or sell across multiple categories, getting a GSTIN early is the safer choice. It opens category access, enables FBA, allows you to claim input tax credit, and reduces compliance risk. If in doubt, register and stay compliant — the registration process is straightforward and Infobeam can assist.
How Infobeam Solution helps
Infobeam helps Amazon sellers navigate GST + marketplace requirements end-to-end:
GST Registration & Filings: We handle GSTIN registration paperwork, GST returns and ongoing compliance so you focus on selling.
Amazon Onboarding & KYC: We take care of Amazon seller account setup, document formatting, and correct category selection to avoid rejections.
FBA Readiness & State GST Advice: If you use FBA we advise on state GST registrations and filing implications.
Category & Product Audit: We check whether a SKU qualifies as GST-exempt and prepare the documentation Amazon expects.
Ongoing Monitoring: Monthly reconciliation, turnover tracking and alerts so you register for GST at the right time and avoid penalties.
Quick win: Ask Infobeam for a free compliance audit — we’ll review 3 SKUs and tell you whether you can sell them without GST and what the next steps are.
How to register for GST
Create/collect business documents (PAN, proof of business address, bank proof, identity proof).
Apply on the GST portal (www.gst.gov.in) or use a facilitator.
Receive GSTIN and start issuing GST invoices once registration is active.
Infobeam can manage the full registration process and liaison with tax advisors if complex multi-state registration is needed.
FAQ
No, Amazon requires GST registration for FBA sellers supplying taxable goods. Consider FBM for exempt items or register for GST to use FBA.
Generally ₹40 lakh for goods and ₹20 lakh for services (special category states have lower thresholds). Confirm current limits before deciding.
Exempt items include certain agricultural produce, unbranded food items, printed books and specific handloom/handicraft goods – but the list is detailed and conditional. Always verify the exact HSN and policy.
You must register for GST immediately, file returns for the period, and update Amazon with your GSTIN. Late registration can result in interest and penalties.
Grow on Amazon right away
If you’re unsure whether your SKUs qualify as GST-exempt or you want to scale safely with FBA, get Infobeam’s Free Amazon GST & Compliance Audit. We’ll check 3 SKUs (listing pages or product sheets) and tell you exactly whether you can sell them without GST, or whether you should register — plus a clear next step plan. Call +919654553640 or fill our quick inquiry form and our team will contact you within 24 hours.