Dry ice

Carbon dioxide in solid form (dry ice)

CBIC CLEARANCE

HSN 2811 21 10 (Dry ice) is subject to mandatory chemical-declaration qualifiers in the import bill of entry under Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, operative with effect from 15 October 2023. Importers must furnish the additional qualifiers specified in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of that Circular for all commodities under Chapter 28.

What this is

HSN code

2811 21 10

Chapter

28 · Inorganic chemicals; organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals

Primary regulator

CBIC · Mandatory Chapter 28 qualifiers per Circular 23/2023-Cus

Customs documentation

Chapter 28 qualifiers from CBIC
Import declaration from CBIC

Compliance steps

1
Include all mandatory additional qualifiers in the import declaration for dry ice as stipulated in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus. These qualifiers are compulsory for all Chapter 28 commodities with effect from 15 October 2023; a declaration lacking the required qualifiers will be held for amendment before out-of-charge.
CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2
2
Verify that the bill of entry correctly classifies the consignment under CTH 2811 21 10 and that the chemical-identity qualifiers (grade, purity, or form as applicable under Chapter 28) are populated in the ICES declaration before filing. Omission triggers a query from the assessing officer and potential demurrage.
CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is filing a standard bill of entry without populating the Chapter 28 mandatory qualifiers introduced by CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus — an omission that appears minor but results in a customs query, amendment processing delay, and demurrage accrual while the declaration is held. Dry ice consignments are time-critical by nature; confirm with your customs broker that the ICES declaration template is updated to capture the paragraph 4.1 and 4.2 qualifier fields before the vessel arrives.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 2811 21 10 require BIS certification?

No. No BIS Quality Control Order covers dry ice or carbon dioxide under this tariff line. The operative compliance requirement is the mandatory chemical-declaration qualifier regime under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus, applicable to all Chapter 28 commodities with effect from 15 October 2023.

What specific qualifiers must be declared under paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus for Chapter 28 goods?

The Circular mandates additional product-identity qualifiers — such as grade, purity level, and form — for commodities under Chapters 28, 29, 32, 39 and CTH 3808; the precise field-level requirements are set out in the Annexure to CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023.

Is there any sectoral PGA licence or permit required to import dry ice?

No sectoral PGA licence, permit, or registration is listed for this tariff line. The sole operative requirement is the CBIC Chapter 28 mandatory-qualifier declaration under Circular 23/2023-Cus; the import policy is otherwise Free.

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