Sweet flag rhizomes

Sweet flag rhizomes, dried medicinal plant material

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 1211 90 48 (Sweet flag rhizomes) is subject to the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). DGFT Policy Circular 05/2025 dated 22-09-2025 clarifies that sweet flag rhizomes, classified as a spice under Appendix 4J, are subject to a pre-import condition and are ineligible for import under Duty Free Import Authorisation (DFIA) under any circumstances, regardless of intended end use.

What this is

HSN code

1211 90 48

Chapter

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

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) import policy, Appendix 4J pre-import condition

Customs documentation

Policy compliance declaration from DGFT
Appendix 4J pre-import condition proof

Compliance steps

1
Confirm that the import does not purport to proceed under a Duty Free Import Authorisation. DGFT Policy Circular 05/2025 dated 22-09-2025 renders DFIA ineligible for all spices listed under Appendix 4J, including sweet flag rhizomes, irrespective of intended end use.
DGFT Policy Circular 05/2025 dated 22-09-2025
2
Satisfy the applicable Appendix 4J pre-import condition before filing the bill of entry. Consignments presented without evidence of pre-import condition compliance are liable to detention and refusal of out-of-charge.
DGFT Policy Circular 05/2025 dated 22-09-2025 · ITC (HS) Appendix 4J

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming that pharmaceutical or perfumery end-use converts sweet flag rhizomes into an industrial-plant import exempt from the Appendix 4J spice classification. DGFT Policy Circular 05/2025 expressly rejects this argument: all products falling under Appendix 4J are subject to the pre-import condition and are ineligible for DFIA irrespective of the intended end use. Filing under DFIA without compliance exposes the authorisation to cancellation and the consignment to seizure.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 1211 90 48 require BIS certification?

No, sweet flag rhizomes are not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by the ITC (HS) policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, with an Appendix 4J pre-import condition that prohibits import under DFIA.

Can sweet flag rhizomes be imported under DFIA if they are destined for pharmaceutical manufacture?

No. DGFT Policy Circular 05/2025 dated 22-09-2025 clarifies that DFIA ineligibility applies to all Appendix 4J spices irrespective of intended end use, including pharmaceutical or perfumery applications.

What is the consequence of presenting a DFIA authorisation for this tariff line at the bill of entry?

Customs will refuse out-of-charge on the basis of DFIA ineligibility; the consignment faces detention and potential re-export, and the DFIA authorisation itself may be referred to DGFT for cancellation proceedings.

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