Allowed values for product_category

leobasilio

Hello.

Is there a list of allowed values for the product_category field?

Thank you.

SysAdmin

Dear Leo,

Please refer to the product category endpoint. https://einvoice.firs.gov.ng/docs/resources/get-products-codes

leobasilio

So for goods we should provide the hsn_code field with the corresponding description in the product_category field. Is that correct?

And how should we handle services? I see there's a similar endpoint in this case.

I assume we should provide the isic_code field with the corresponding description in the service_category field.

Is my understanding correct?

Thank you.

SysAdmin

Dear Leo,

You are very correct!

Thank You.

chatry

Hello,

Please, we are quite confused about these four fields.

From what I understand:

The HSN code can represent both products and services.

The ISIC code is not for services; it represents the economic activity of the company — its industry or sector — which is very different from the HSN code.

If my understanding is correct, this means:

product_category and service_category are the descriptions of whatever is in the HSN code field.

If it’s a service, we would only fill service_category.

If it’s a product, we would only fill product_category.

Here is my confusion:

Why are both fields marked as mandatory in the documentation?

Shouldn’t they be optional, depending on whether the HSN code represents a product or a service?
Thank you

SysAdmin

Dear chatry,

Thank you for the feedback. We understand how this can be confusing, and we will update the documentation to make it clearer.

In the meantime, your understanding is correct. It is either option, depending on the scenario.

nazmulfx

SysAdmin
Sir, according to above conversation i understand that. hsn code referes service/product code.
If it’s a service, we would only fill service_category.
If it’s a product, we would only fill product_category.

But what about VAT Exempt Category? should we proceed like this??
hsn code will referes to VAT exempted code
and VAT Exempt category ??

SysAdmin

Dear nazmulfx,

HSN Codes apply to goods (product classification), while ISIC Codes apply to services.

Your interpretation in lines 2 and 3 is correct.

Regarding VAT-exempt codes, please note that exemptions are derived from both product and service classifications. These exemptions are not static; they evolve in line with government fiscal policies. Therefore, the HSN and ISIC code lists remain the authoritative sources from which VAT-exempt items are determined.

You may refer to previous discussions in this community for additional context.

https://community.firsmbs.com/d/97-get-vat-exemptions
https://community.firsmbs.com/d/86-how-to-use-getvatexemptions-api-output-in-invoice