Carfentanil (INN) and its salt

Carfentanil and its salts, scheduled narcotic analgesic

CIB&RC CLEARANCE

HSN 2933 33 15 (Carfentanil (INN) and its salt) is subject to Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB&RC) registration and import permit under the Insecticides Act, 1968, where the substance figures in the Schedule to that Act. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) classifies import of this CTI as Free under DGFT Notification 54/2015-20 dated 09-02-2022, but the CIB&RC permit and designated-port restriction under Rule 45 of the Insecticides Rules, 1971 apply as binding overlays. Mandatory Chapter 29 qualifiers per CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023 must be filed in the import declaration with effect from 15-10-2023.

What this is

HSN code

2933 33 15

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
Chapter 29 qualifiers from CBIC

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

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

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

Compliance steps

1
Obtain registration and an import permit from the Secretariat of the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee before shipment, where carfentanil or its salts figure in the Schedule to the Insecticides Act, 1968. Both the registration certificate and the permit must be current and uploaded in e-Sanchit at the bill of entry.
Insecticides Act, 1968 · Insecticides Rules, 1971 · ITC (HS) import policy, DGFT Notification 54/2015-20 dated 09-02-2022
2
Route the consignment only through a port at which insecticides may lawfully be imported under Rule 45 of the Insecticides Rules, 1971. Import through any other port renders the consignment liable to detention and enforcement under the Act.
Rule 45 of the Insecticides Rules, 1971
3
File mandatory additional qualifiers in the import declaration for commodities under Chapter 29 as stipulated in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus. If the consignment involves a specified hazardous substance exceeding the notified threshold quantity, take out an insurance policy under the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991.
CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023 · S.O. 227(E) dated 24-03-1992, Ministry of Environment and Forests

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is treating the Free ITC (HS) policy status as indicating unhindered importability. The Free classification applies only to the tariff-policy layer; the CIB&RC Schedule-based registration and permit requirement is a concurrent and independent legal obligation, and import without a current permit constitutes an offence under the Insecticides Act, 1968 irrespective of the DGFT policy status. The designated-port restriction under Rule 45 must also be verified against the bill of lading before vessel departure — arrival at an unnotified port triggers immediate detention.

Need a regulatory steer on this product?

Speak to a regulatory counsel about your specific HSN, IS, and supplier situation.

Speak to an Expert

Frequently asked

Does HSN 2933 33 15 require BIS certification?

No, carfentanil and its salts fall outside the BIS Quality Control Order regime; no BIS QCO covers this product family. Import is governed by the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee under the Insecticides Act, 1968, with DGFT ITC (HS) policy and CBIC Chapter 29 qualifier requirements as overlays.

Is the Chapter 29 mandatory qualifier filing required for every bill of entry under this HSN?

Yes. CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023 requires mandatory additional qualifiers in import declarations for all commodities under Chapter 29, with effect from 15 October 2023, as stipulated in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of that Circular.

When does the Public Liability Insurance obligation apply to an import of this substance?

The insurance requirement under the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 is triggered when the consignment involves a specified hazardous substance imported in a quantity exceeding the threshold prescribed under S.O. 227(E) dated 24-03-1992 issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests.

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