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Acetylene black

Acetylene black, carbon black (specialised carbon forms)

CBIC CLEARANCE

HSN 2803 00 20 (Acetylene black) is subject to Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) mandatory additional-qualifier requirements under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, operative from 15 October 2023 for all Chapter 28 commodity import declarations. Where the import quantity of this specified hazardous substance exceeds prescribed thresholds, the owner must also maintain a Public Liability Insurance policy under the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991.

What this is
HSN code
2803 00 20
Chapter
28 · Inorganic chemicals; organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals
Primary regulator
CBIC · CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus; Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
Customs documentation
  • Chapter 28 qualifiers from CBIC
  • Insurance policy from insurer (PLI Act)
Compliance steps
  1. 1
    Include all mandatory additional qualifiers in the import declaration for Acetylene black as specified in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus. This requirement applies to all Chapter 28 commodities with effect from 15 October 2023 and a deficient declaration risks bill-of-entry detention at first appraisement.
    CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, paras 4.1 and 4.2
  2. 2
    Where the imported quantity of Acetylene black exceeds the specified threshold quantities for hazardous substances, obtain a valid Public Liability Insurance policy before import. Retain documentary proof of the insurance policy for production to the proper officer on demand.
    S.O. 227(E) dated 24-03-1992 issued by Ministry of Environment and Forests; Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is filing a standard Chapter 28 bill of entry without including the mandatory additional qualifiers prescribed under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2. Customs systems flag declarations lacking these qualifiers for reassessment from 15 October 2023 onward, resulting in detention and demurrage while the declaration is amended. Separately, importers overlook the PLI trigger entirely when quantities are borderline, creating personal liability exposure under the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991.

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Frequently asked
Does HSN 2803 00 20 require BIS certification?
No. No BIS Quality Control Order covers acetylene black or carbon black under this tariff line. Compliance obligations are governed by CBIC under Circular 23/2023-Cus for mandatory declaration qualifiers, and by the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 where hazardous-substance quantity thresholds are exceeded.
Which specific qualifiers are required in the import declaration under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus?
The qualifiers are set out in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023 and apply to all commodities under Chapters 28, 29, 32, 39 and CTH 3808, effective 15 October 2023.
Does the Public Liability Insurance requirement apply to every import of Acetylene black?
No. The PLI policy requirement under S.O. 227(E) dated 24-03-1992 is triggered only when the quantity of the specified hazardous substance exceeds the threshold prescribed in that notification; importers should verify whether their consignment volume crosses the specified quantity before filing.
Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-16. Source: CBIC / Indian Customs CUSDATA.
Related
ChapterChapter 28 · Inorganic chemicals; organic or inorganic compounds of precious metalsIndustryChemicals industryHSNCARBON (CARBON BLACKS AND OTHER FORMS OF CARBON NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED OR INCLUDED)