The scrap and metal recycling trade has its own GST rules — reverse charge on unregistered purchases, TDS on metal scrap deals, and rates that vary by material. SetupFiling.in's CA-assisted team gets your registration filed correctly, GSTIN in 24–72 hours.

Quick Answer: Scrap dealers and recyclers must register for GST once turnover crosses ₹40 lakh. Under current rules, purchasing metal scrap from an unregistered supplier shifts GST liability to the registered buyer under reverse charge, and registered buyers must deduct 2% TDS when buying metal scrap from registered suppliers above the threshold contract value. SetupFiling.in files your registration at ₹999 onwards, GSTIN in 24–72 hours.
Buying and selling scrap doesn't follow the same simple GST pattern as most goods trading. The scrap and recycling sector runs largely on informal, unregistered sellers — kabadiwalas, small collectors, and unorganised suppliers — which is exactly the gap the government targeted with two specific rules for the metal scrap sector: a reverse charge mechanism (RCM) when a registered dealer buys from an unregistered supplier, and a 2% TDS deduction when a registered buyer purchases metal scrap from a registered supplier above a set contract value. Get either of these wrong and you're either under-remitting tax you were liable for, or failing a TDS obligation that shows up as a mismatch during return filing. GST Registration services across India from SetupFiling.in are filed with these sector-specific rules built in from day one.
SetupFiling.in is founded by practising Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries, and Trademark Attorneys with 15+ years of combined experience, and we have already helped 12,000+ entrepreneurs and 50,000+ customers across India register and stay compliant.
| Transaction | Who Pays GST | Additional Obligation |
|---|---|---|
| Registered dealer buys metal scrap from an unregistered supplier | Buyer, under reverse charge (RCM) | Buyer self-invoices and deposits GST directly; ITC can generally be claimed |
| Registered dealer buys metal scrap from a registered supplier | Supplier, on a normal forward-charge invoice | Buyer must deduct 2% TDS (1% CGST + 1% SGST, or 2% IGST) if contract value exceeds the prescribed threshold |
| Sale of non-metal scrap (plastic, paper, rubber waste) | Supplier, on a normal forward-charge invoice | Standard GST rules apply — RCM and TDS provisions above are specific to metal scrap |
These provisions apply specifically to metal scrap classified under Chapter 72 to 81 of the HSN. Confirm your exact material classification and the current TDS threshold with our team, as GST Council notifications are periodically revised.
| Material | Typical GST Rate |
|---|---|
| Ferrous metal scrap (iron, steel) | 18% |
| Non-ferrous metal scrap (copper, aluminium, brass) | 18% |
| Plastic waste and scrap | 5% |
| Paper waste and scrap | 5% |
| Rubber waste and scrap | 5% |
GST rate slabs on scrap categories are revised periodically by the GST Council. Confirm the current applicable rate for your exact material mix with our team before pricing purchases and sales.
Transparent, one-time pricing — no hidden charges. Pick the package that fits your scrap or recycling business.
Just the GST registration — fast and affordable
₹999/-GST Registration + 6 months of returns
₹3999 ₹1999/-GST Registration + 12 Month GST Return
₹7398 ₹3,699Select Silver, Gold, or Premium above and complete payment securely through secure online payment options.
Send your PAN, Aadhaar, premises proof, and bank details, along with the type of scrap or recyclable material you trade in.
Our CA/CS team prepares and files your GST REG-01 application with the correct HSN codes for your material category.
You receive an Application Reference Number (ARN) instantly, and we track its status until approval.
Once approved, your GST Registration Certificate, GSTIN, and GST portal login credentials are emailed to you — ready to invoice correctly under RCM or forward charge.
The scrap sector's RCM and TDS rules are recent enough that a lot of generic filing services still register these businesses like any other trader — which leaves the RCM self-invoicing and TDS reconciliation processes unset from day one. Our team of Chartered Accountants and Company Secretaries builds these into your setup from the start. And compliance doesn't stop at registration: monthly and quarterly GST return filing help, GSTR-3B filing support, updating your GST registration details, and GST registration cancellation process are all handled by the same team.
Scrap and recycling businesses often need more than one registration. Explore related services:
Is GST registration mandatory for scrap dealers?
Yes, once your annual turnover from scrap trading or recycling exceeds ₹40 lakh, or immediately if you supply inter-state or handle transactions covered under the metal scrap RCM and TDS rules.
What is reverse charge (RCM) on metal scrap purchases?
Under current rules, when a registered dealer buys metal scrap from an unregistered supplier, the registered buyer becomes liable to pay GST directly under reverse charge, rather than the unregistered seller charging it.
What is the TDS rule for metal scrap transactions?
When a registered buyer purchases metal scrap from a registered supplier above a prescribed contract value, the buyer must deduct 2% TDS (1% CGST + 1% SGST, or 2% IGST) under Section 51 of the GST Act.
What GST rate applies to scrap and recyclable materials?
Metal scrap, such as ferrous and non-ferrous scrap, is typically taxed at 18%, while plastic, paper, and rubber waste are generally taxed at 5%. Rates are periodically revised by the GST Council.
How much does GST Registration Cost for a scrap or recycling business?
GST registration with SetupFiling.in starts at ₹999 for the Silver package. The Gold package (registration + 6 months of returns) costs ₹1,999, and the Premium package (registration + 12 months of returns) costs ₹3,699.
Do the RCM and TDS rules apply to plastic or paper scrap too?
No. The RCM and TDS provisions for scrap transactions are specific to metal scrap. Plastic, paper, and other non-metal scrap continue to follow standard forward-charge GST rules.
What documents are required for GST registration for a scrap business?
You need PAN, Aadhaar, a passport-size photo, proof of yard or premises address, bank account details, and pollution control board consent if applicable to your activity. Companies and LLPs additionally need a Certificate of Incorporation.
How long does it take to get a GST number for a scrap dealer?
The Silver package is delivered in 48–72 hours, while the Gold and Premium packages are delivered within 24 hours, subject to timely document submission and GST portal approval.
How do I place an order for GST registration for my scrap business?
Select a package above and click "Place Your Order" to pay securely via Razorpay, or message us on WhatsApp at +91 98182 09246 and our team will guide you through the process.
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