Butanone (methyl ethyl ketone)
Butanone (methyl ethyl ketone), acyclic ketone solvent
HSN 2914 12 00 (Butanone / methyl ethyl ketone) is a controlled substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) (Regulation of Controlled Substances) Order, 2013, requiring a consignment-wise NOC from the Narcotics Commissioner before import. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) classifies this tariff line as Restricted under ITC (HS) policy condition 2 of Chapter 29, and mandatory Chapter 29 additional qualifiers under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus apply at the bill-of-entry stage.
- Consignment-wise NOC from NDPS
- Chapter 29 qualifiers from CBIC
- Import Licence from DGFT
Procedural directions for customs clearance are issued by: Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs.
- 1Obtain a consignment-wise NOC from the Narcotics Commissioner covering methyl ethyl ketone before the bill of entry is filed. Ensure the commercial invoice, IGM, and AWB or bill of lading each state the name and quantity of the controlled substance and full name and address of the consignee, exporter, and importer. Every package must be prominently labelled with the name, quantity, and details of the controlled substance.NDPS (Regulation of Controlled Substances) Order, 2013 dated 26-03-2013 · DGFT Notification 15/2015-20 dated 21-07-2015 · ITC (HS) policy condition 2 of Chapter 29
- 2Comply with CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023 by including mandatory additional qualifiers in the import declaration for Chapter 29 commodities, as stipulated in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2, with effect from 15-10-2023. Non-inclusion of the required qualifiers will result in detention at the customs gate and rejection of the bill of entry.CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, paras 4.1 and 4.2
The single most common error on this tariff line is treating the Narcotics Commissioner NOC as a standing or annual instrument. The NOC is consignment-specific — a fresh NOC is required for each import shipment, and a NOC obtained for one bill of entry cannot be reused for a subsequent consignment. Shipping without a valid consignment-wise NOC exposes the importer to seizure of the consignment and criminal liability under the NDPS Act, independent of any DGFT or CBIC enforcement.