Skip to main content
Access IndiaPLATFORM
HomeHSNChapter 29HSN 2939 20 20

Quinine hydrochloride

Quinine hydrochloride, cinchona alkaloid salt

CIB&RC CLEARANCE · NDPS CLEARANCE

HSN 2939 20 20 (Quinine hydrochloride) is subject to dual primary-regulator control: the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) import-certificate regime under Chapter VII-A and Rule 53 of the NDPS Rules, 1985, and Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB&RC) registration and permit requirements under the Insecticides Act, 1968 where the substance figures in its Schedule. Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) ITC (HS) policy condition no. 2 of Chapter 29 and mandatory Chapter 29 qualifier declarations under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus apply as additional customs-layer requirements.

What this is
HSN code
2939 20 20
Chapter
29 · Organic chemicals
Primary regulator
NDPS · NDPS Rules, 1985 (Chapter VII-A, Rule 53) and CIB&RC · Insecticides Act, 1968
Customs documentation
  • Import certificate from NDPS
  • Registration certificate from CIB&RC
  • Import licence for drugs from CDSCO
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. 1
    Obtain an import certificate under Rule 53 of the NDPS Rules, 1985 from the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) before shipment, if importing for medical or scientific purposes under Chapter VII-A of those Rules. Imports outside this category are governed by Appendix-I to the ITC (HS) Schedule under ITC (HS) policy condition no. 2 of Chapter 29.
    Chapter VII-A and Rule 53 of the NDPS Rules, 1985 · ITC (HS) policy condition no. 2 to Chapter 29
  2. 2
    If the substance figures in the Schedule to the Insecticides Act, 1968, obtain registration and an import permit from the Secretariat of the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee. Import is permitted only through restricted places notified under Rule 45 of the Insecticides Rules, 1971.
    Insecticides Act, 1968 · Rule 45 of the Insecticides Rules, 1971
  3. 3
    Upload mandatory documents in e-Sanchit before the bill of entry: Certificate of Analysis — Drug (0010dc), Batch Release Certificate (0030dc), Label of Consignment (0110dc), Registration Certificate — Drugs (101dc1), and Import Licence for Drugs (9111dc). Ensure the import declaration includes mandatory Chapter 29 additional qualifiers as stipulated in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus with effect from 15 October 2023.
    CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023 · e-Sanchit document codes 0010dc, 0030dc, 0110dc, 101dc1, 9111dc
A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is treating the drug-import documentation set (Registration Certificate, Import Licence, Batch Release Certificate) as sufficient and overlooking the independent NDPS import certificate from CBN under Rule 53 of the NDPS Rules, 1985. These are parallel regimes with separate issuing authorities; a consignment presenting complete drug-licensing documents but no NDPS import certificate will be detained at the port of import pending NDPS clearance, attracting demurrage and potential confiscation under the NDPS Act, 1985.

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 2939 20 20 require BIS certification?
No. No BIS Quality Control Order covers cinchona alkaloids or their salts. Import of quinine hydrochloride is governed by the NDPS Rules, 1985 and, where the substance is scheduled under the Insecticides Act, 1968, by CIB&RC registration and permit requirements, with DGFT ITC (HS) policy condition no. 2 of Chapter 29 as the overarching policy overlay.
Which document codes must be uploaded in e-Sanchit for this tariff line?
The mandatory e-Sanchit uploads are: Certificate of Analysis — Drug (0010dc), Batch Release Certificate (0030dc), Label of Consignment (0110dc), Registration Certificate — Drugs (101dc1), and Import Licence for Drugs (9111dc), per the CCR verified against CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus.
Does the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 apply to imports of quinine hydrochloride?
Where the imported quantity of this specified hazardous substance exceeds the quantities prescribed under S.O. 227(E) dated 24-03-1992 issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, the owner is required to take out an insurance policy under the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991.
Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-16. Source: CIB&RC / NDPS / DGFT / CBIC / Indian Customs CUSDATA.
Related