Azides

Azides, inorganic chemically defined compounds

CBIC CLEARANCE

HSN 2850 00 30 (Azides) is subject to Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) policy overlays, including mandatory additional qualifiers in import declarations under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023. Importers of specified hazardous azide substances exceeding threshold quantities must also maintain a Public Liability Insurance policy under the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 as notified by S.O. 227(E) dated 24-03-1992.

What this is

HSN code

2850 00 30

Chapter

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

Primary regulator

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

Customs documentation

Chapter 28 qualifiers from CBIC
Insurance declaration from importer
Import declaration to CBIC

Compliance steps

1
File the import declaration with the mandatory additional qualifiers for Chapter 28 commodities as stipulated in Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus. These qualifiers are mandatory with effect from 15-10-2023 and their absence renders the bill of entry liable to rejection or detention at assessment.
CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2
2
Where the azide consignment qualifies as a specified hazardous substance and the quantity imported exceeds the threshold prescribed under the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991, obtain and maintain an insurance policy prior to import. The obligation is notified by the Ministry of Environment and Forests via S.O. 227(E) dated 24-03-1992.
Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 · S.O. 227(E) dated 24-03-1992

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is filing the bill of entry without the mandatory Chapter 28 qualifiers required under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus — a deficiency that triggers assessment-level detention and demurrage while the declaration is corrected. The Public Liability Insurance obligation is a parallel and independent requirement: importers frequently overlook it on the assumption that general cargo insurance suffices, but failure to hold a PLI Act-compliant policy for a scheduled hazardous substance is a statutory contravention attracting monetary penalty under the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 2850 00 30 require BIS certification?

No, azides and related inorganic borides, nitrides, silicides and hydrides are not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. Import compliance is governed by CBIC policy overlays — mandatory Chapter 28 additional qualifiers under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus and, where applicable, Public Liability Insurance under the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991.

When did the mandatory Chapter 28 additional qualifiers come into effect, and what does the declaration require?

The mandatory additional qualifiers for Chapter 28 commodities took effect on 15 October 2023 per CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus; the specific fields required are set out in Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of that circular and must be completed at the bill-of-entry stage.

Does the Public Liability Insurance obligation apply to all azide imports?

No — the insurance requirement under S.O. 227(E) dated 24-03-1992 applies only where the azide is a specified hazardous substance and the quantity imported exceeds the threshold quantities prescribed under the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991; sub-threshold quantities are not subject to the PLI obligation.

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