Phenolphthalein

Phenolphthalein, a lactone heterocyclic organic chemical

CIB&RC CLEARANCE · NDPS CLEARANCE

HSN 2932 20 20 (Phenolphthalein) is subject to dual primary-regulator oversight: the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB&RC) requires registration and an import permit where phenolphthalein figures in the Schedule to the Insecticides Act, 1968, and Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) import-certificate conditions apply under Chapter VII-A of the NDPS Rules, 1985. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) ITC (HS) policy condition no. 2 to Chapter 29 and Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) Circular 23/2023-Cus mandatory-qualifier requirements apply as additional clearance overlays.

What this is

HSN code

2932 20 20

Chapter

29 · Organic chemicals

Primary regulator

CIB&RC · Insecticides Act, 1968 and Insecticides Rules, 1971

Customs documentation

Registration certificate from CIB&RC
Import permit from CIB&RC
Import certificate from NDPS

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

CIB&RCCIB&RC·Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee

NDPSNDPS·Narcotics Control Bureau

Procedural directions for customs clearance are issued by: Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs.

Compliance steps

1
Verify whether phenolphthalein falls within the Schedule to the Insecticides Act, 1968 for the specific formulation being imported. If it does, obtain registration and an import permit from the Secretariat of the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee; import is also restricted to ports specified under Rule 45 of the Insecticides Rules, 1971.
Insecticides Act, 1968 · Rule 45 of the Insecticides Rules, 1971 · ITC (HS) policy condition 2 to Chapter 29
2
Where the consignment involves an NDPS-scheduled substance, obtain an import certificate under Rule 53 of the NDPS Rules, 1985 before shipment. Imports for medical and scientific purposes are permissible under Chapter VII-A of the NDPS Rules, 1985; all other imports are governed by Appendix-I to the ITC (HS) Schedule.
Rule 53 and Chapter VII-A of the NDPS Rules, 1985 · ITC (HS) policy condition 2 to Chapter 29
3
At the bill of entry, upload all mandatory documents in e-Sanchit — certificate of analysis (0010dc), batch release certificate (0030dc), label of consignment (0110dc), registration certificate for drugs (101dc1), and import licence for drugs (9111dc) — and include the Chapter 29 mandatory additional qualifiers in the import declaration as required under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus with effect from 15 October 2023.
CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, para 4.1 and 4.2

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming that NDPS and CIB&RC obligations are mutually exclusive rather than concurrent. Phenolphthalein may independently attract the Insecticides Act, 1968 Schedule and the NDPS Rules, 1985 depending on formulation and end-use; a consignment cleared on one track without addressing the other is liable to detention, monetary penalty, and seizure under the respective statute. Additionally, the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 insurance obligation under S.O. 227(E) dated 24-03-1992 applies where specified hazardous substances are imported in quantities exceeding the thresholds prescribed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 2932 20 20 require BIS certification?

No, phenolphthalein is not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. Import is primarily governed by the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee under the Insecticides Act, 1968 and, where applicable, by NDPS import-certificate conditions under the NDPS Rules, 1985.

Which ports are permitted for import of insecticides under this tariff line?

Import of substances falling within the Schedule to the Insecticides Act, 1968 is restricted to designated places under Rule 45 of the Insecticides Rules, 1971; the active list of permitted ports should be confirmed with the CIB&RC Secretariat before booking the shipment.

Do the CBIC Chapter 29 mandatory additional qualifiers apply to this HSN?

Yes. With effect from 15 October 2023, import declarations for Chapter 29 commodities must include the mandatory additional qualifiers specified in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023; non-compliance at the bill-of-entry stage can result in consignment detention.

Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-16. Source: CIB&RC / NDPS / DGFT / CBIC / Indian Customs CUSDATA.