Coca leaf

Coca leaf, restricted medicinal and industrial plant

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 1211 30 00 (Coca leaf) is subject to a Restricted-import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the ITC (HS) import policy, Chapter 12. No import of coca leaf is permitted without prior authorisation under the applicable DGFT policy condition.

What this is

HSN code

1211 30 00

Chapter

12 · Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit; industrial or medicinal plants

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) Restricted import policy, Chapter 12

Customs documentation

Import Licence from DGFT
ITC (HS) policy compliance from DGFT

Compliance steps

1
Obtain prior authorisation from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade before shipment. Coca leaf is classified as Restricted under the ITC (HS) import policy, and any consignment arriving without a valid DGFT licence is liable to detention and confiscation at the port of entry.
ITC (HS) Restricted import policy, Chapter 12
2
Upload the DGFT Import Licence in e-Sanchit and ensure the document is verified by the proper officer before out-of-charge. The restricted status requires the customs officer to confirm the licence before permitting clearance.
ITC (HS) Restricted import policy, Chapter 12

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is under-estimating the severity of the Restricted classification: coca leaf is not merely subject to a documentary formality but carries significant enforcement exposure given its narcotics-adjacency. Attempting to import without a current DGFT licence — even in small quantities or for declared pharmaceutical or research purposes — results in outright detention and potential confiscation, not a rectifiable labelling deficiency.

Need a regulatory steer on this product?

Speak to a regulatory counsel about your specific HSN, IS, and supplier situation.

Speak to an Expert

Frequently asked

Does HSN 1211 30 00 require BIS certification?

No, coca leaf is not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime; no BIS QCO covers this product family. Import is governed exclusively by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under the ITC (HS) Restricted import policy, Chapter 12.

Can coca leaf be imported freely if the importer holds a pharmaceutical or research licence?

No. The ITC (HS) Restricted classification applies regardless of the end-use; a specific DGFT import authorisation covering this tariff line is required in addition to any sectoral licence the importer may hold.

What happens if a consignment of coca leaf arrives without a valid DGFT licence?

A consignment without a valid DGFT import authorisation is liable to detention at the port of entry, and the customs officer may order confiscation and initiate monetary penalty proceedings under the Customs Act, 1962.

Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-16. Source: DGFT / Indian Customs CUSDATA.