Unique Quantity Code (UQC) in GST: Meaning, Usage, and Declaration Guide

Unique Quantity Code (UQC) in GST: Meaning, Usage, and Declaration Guide

A UQC code, or Unique Quantity Code, is a standardised code used to identify units of measurement when reporting goods under GST. This guide explains the UQC full form, how to select the correct code, where to report it, and how to avoid common filing errors.

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Unique Quantity Code in GST
 

Unique Quantity Code in GST

  • In summary


    The UQC code standardises how you report quantities in GST documents, helping you maintain consistent records across invoices and returns. You should select the code that matches the unit in which you measure or sell your goods.


    • UQC full form is Unique Quantity Code, a standardised code used to identify units of measurement in GST reporting.
    • Rule 46 of the CGST Rules requires a tax invoice to include the quantity of goods and the relevant unit or UQC.
    • UQC in GST is used in GSTR-1 Table 12, GSTR-9 Table 17, and the item details of e-way bills, as applicable.
    • You should select the appropriate code from the GST portal’s available list, such as KGS for kilograms, MTR for metres, and NOS for numbers.
    • If the appropriate unit is not available, check whether OTH (Others) is suitable before submitting your return.

    Accurate GST records can also help you manage your business finances. Explore the business loan options available from Bajaj Finance to support your operational and working capital requirements.

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What is UQC code?

  • UQC code, short for Unique Quantity Code, is a standardised code used to identify a unit of measurement when reporting the quantity of goods under GST. The UQC full form is Unique Quantity Code. Rule 46 of the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Rules, 2017, requires a tax invoice to show the quantity of goods and the relevant unit or UQC.


    The unique quantity code in GST helps you report quantities consistently across invoices and returns. Instead of using different descriptions for the same unit, you select a standard code, such as KGS for kilograms or LTR for litres. This makes transaction records easier to compare and reconcile.

    The GST portal provides predefined UQC options. This standardised approach to unit quantity code GST reporting helps reduce differences in the way businesses record quantities.

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How to choose the correct UQC code for your product?

  • To choose the correct UQC code, match it to the primary unit in which you measure, sell, or report your product. Use the GST portal's available options and ensure that the unit in your records matches the quantity you enter.


    Product typeCommon unitUQC to use
    Goods sold by weight, such as rice, metal, and spicesKilograms or gramsKGS or GMS
    Goods sold by length, such as fabric, wire, and pipesMetres or centimetresMTR or CMS
    Goods sold by volume, such as liquids and fuelKilolitres or millilitresKLR or MLT
    Goods sold by count, such as electronics and furnitureNumbers or piecesNOS or PCS
    Goods sold in standard packaging, such as cartons and boxesCartons or boxesCTN or BOX
    Goods whose unit is not available in the listOthersOTH, where appropriate
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How would you select a UQC for fabric?

Suppose you manufacture and sell fabric by length. You should report the quantity using the unit that reflects your actual sales measurement. If you sell 500 metres of fabric, MTR is the relevant unit to consider. If you sell the fabric by yards, use the corresponding code for yards instead.


Always check the available UQC options before filing. Do not select a code simply because it appears similar to the unit used in your internal accounting records.

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Where should UQC be declared while filing GST returns?

UQC in GST is reported in tax invoices, GSTR-1 Table 12, GSTR-9 Table 17, and e-way bill item details, wherever applicable. You should enter the code that corresponds to the quantity and unit of the goods being reported.


  • GST invoice: Include the quantity and its corresponding unit or UQC in the invoice. Rule 46 of the CGST Rules specifies these invoice particulars. This helps you maintain consistent records for the buyer and your business.
  • GSTR-1 – Table 12: Enter the relevant UQC with the HSN-wise summary of your outward supplies. The GST portal provides a UQC field when you add HSN details. You can refer to this guide on GST filing for more information about the return process.
  • E-way bill – Item details: When generating an e-way bill for the movement of goods, enter the product's quantity and corresponding unit in the item details. The unit should match the goods being transported.
  • GSTR-9 – Table 17: Report the applicable UQC with the HSN-wise summary of outward supplies in the annual return. The GST portal provides a UQC field in this table. You can also refer to the HSN code guide to understand how goods are classified for GST reporting.

Accurate UQC reporting helps you maintain consistency between invoices, returns, and movement records. You can use a GST calculator to estimate the applicable GST on your transactions.

Complete list of UQC codes in GST

The GST portal provides standard UQC options to help you report quantities consistently. The following table brings together commonly used codes and their corresponding units. Check the current dropdown on the GST portal before filing, as the available options and descriptions should take precedence over any offline reference list.


UQC codeDescription
BAGBags
BALBale
BDLBundles
BKLBuckles
BOUBillions of units
BOXBox
BTLBottles
BUNBunches
CANCans
CBMCubic metres
CCMCubic centimetres
CMSCentimetres
CTNCartons
DOZDozens
DRMDrums
GGRGreat gross
GMSGrams
GRSGross
GYDGross yards
KGSKilograms
KLRKilolitre
KMEKilometre
MLTMillilitre
MTRMetres
MTSMetric ton
NOSNumbers
OTHOthers
PACPacks
PCSPieces
PRSPairs
QTLQuintal
ROLRolls
SETSets
SQFSquare feet
SQMSquare metres
SQYSquare yards
TBSTablets
TGMTen grams
THDThousands
TONTonnes
TUBTubes
UGSUS gallons
UNTUnits
YDSYards

If the appropriate unit is not available in the dropdown, check whether OTH (Others) is suitable for your transaction. Do not use OTH as a substitute for a specific unit that is already available.

In which sections of GST returns must you mention UQC?

You should enter UQC in the relevant quantity fields in GSTR-1 Table 12 and GSTR-9 Table 17, as well as in GST invoices and e-way bill item details. The applicable fields are summarised below.


Document or returnSection or tableWhen UQC is required
GST invoiceQuantity and unit particularsInclude the quantity and corresponding unit or UQC for goods, as prescribed under Rule 46.
GSTR-1Table 12Select the UQC while reporting the HSN-wise summary of outward supplies.
GSTR-9Table 17Select the UQC while reporting the HSN-wise summary of outward supplies.
E-way billItem detailsEnter the unit corresponding to the quantity of goods being transported.

When completing a GST return, make sure the UQC matches the unit used in the underlying transaction records. For services, follow the applicable return instructions rather than entering a physical quantity unit intended for goods.

What happens if you use the wrong UQC in GST returns?

Using an incorrect UQC code can trigger a GST portal validation error or create inconsistencies in your return data. The exact outcome depends on the error and the validation applied by the portal.


  • GST portal validation error: If the selected UQC is not accepted by the portal, you may be unable to save or submit the relevant HSN details in your GST return.
  • Reconciliation mismatch: An incorrect unit can make the reported quantity inconsistent with your invoices, e-way bills, or other transaction records.
  • Additional compliance checks: Repeated or unresolved discrepancies may require clarification during reconciliation, an audit, or a departmental review.

Check the unit against your transaction documents and the GST portal's available options before filing. If you cannot identify a suitable unit, check whether OTH (Others) is appropriate for the transaction.

 

How can you manage GST compliance and your business finances?

Accurate UQC reporting helps you maintain consistent quantity records across invoices, GST returns, and e-way bills. You should review the unit of measurement for each product, select the corresponding UQC, and reconcile the reported quantities with your business records before filing.


As your business grows, you may also need funds to manage inventory, upgrade accounting systems, or meet working capital requirements. A Bajaj Finance Business Loan can provide access to funding of Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 80 lakh, subject to eligibility and applicable terms. 

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Frequently asked questions

Overview

What is UQC code?

UQC code stands for Unique Quantity Code. It is a standardised code used to identify the unit of measurement for goods in GST reporting. In GST compliance, the code helps you report quantities consistently across invoices and returns. Rule 46 of the CGST Rules requires the unit or UQC to be included in the prescribed particulars of a tax invoice.

How do I find the right UQC for my product?

Check the UQC options available on the GST portal and match the code to the unit in which you measure or sell your product. For example, KGS represents kilograms, NOS represents numbers, and MTR represents metres. Review the UQC code list before filing and check whether OTH (Others) is suitable if your unit is not available.

What is the unit quantity code (UQC) and how is it used?

The unit quantity code GST system uses standardised identifiers to record the measurement unit for goods. A UQC code such as KGS represents kilograms, while MTR represents metres and NOS represents numbers. You select the appropriate code when entering quantity details in the relevant GST invoice or return fields.

Is UQC mandatory while reporting the HSN summary in GST returns?

Yes, you must select the applicable UQC when reporting goods in the HSN-wise summary fields that require it, including GSTR-1 Table 12 and GSTR-9 Table 17. The GST portal provides a UQC field for these entries. You should also ensure that the reported unit matches the quantity in your transaction records.

Which UQC should be used for goods sold by weight?

For goods sold by weight, choose the UQC that matches the measurement used. Use KGS for kilograms, GMS for grams, MTS for metric tonnes, and QTL for quintals. Check the UQC code list and select the corresponding option available on the GST portal.

What happens if I use an incorrect UQC code in my GST return?

An incorrect UQC code may cause a GST portal validation error or create a mismatch between your return and transaction records. Check the code against the unit shown on your invoice and select the correct option before filing. If no suitable unit is available, consider OTH (Others) where appropriate.

Can I use the same UQC code for different products?

Yes, you can use the same UQC for different products if they are measured and reported using the same unit. For example, you may use KGS for two different products that are both sold by weight in kilograms. However, each product must have the correct HSN classification and quantity details, and you should not use a UQC that does not match its unit of measurement.

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