Menthol crystals

Menthol crystals for therapeutic or prophylactic use

PARTNER GOVERNMENT AGENCY CLEARANCE

HSN 3003 90 21 (Menthol crystals) is subject to Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) drug registration and import licensing under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. A valid registration certificate for drugs and an import licence for drugs must both be uploaded in e-Sanchit before customs out-of-charge is granted.

What this is

HSN code

3003 90 21

Chapter

30 · Pharmaceutical products

Primary regulator

CDSCO · Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940

Customs documentation

Registration certificate from CDSCO
Import licence for drugs from CDSCO

Compliance steps

1
Obtain a valid drug registration certificate from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation covering menthol crystals classified as a medicament under Heading 3003. Upload this certificate in e-Sanchit under document code 101dc1 before filing the bill of entry.
Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 · document code 101dc1
2
Obtain an import licence for drugs from CDSCO and upload it in e-Sanchit under document code 9111dc prior to out-of-charge. Customs officers are directed to verify both 101dc1 and 9111dc are present in e-Sanchit before releasing the consignment.
Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 · document code 9111dc

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is presenting only the import licence and assuming the registration certificate is redundant — or vice versa. Both document codes (101dc1 and 9111dc) are independently mandatory at the bill of entry, and a consignment uploaded with only one will be detained pending the missing clearance, accruing demurrage and ground rent until the deficiency is remedied.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 3003 90 21 require BIS certification?

No, menthol crystals classified as medicaments under Heading 3003 are not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, requiring both a drug registration certificate and an import licence for drugs.

Are both document codes 101dc1 and 9111dc required at the bill of entry?

Yes. The registration certificate for drugs (101dc1) and the import licence for drugs (9111dc) must each be uploaded in e-Sanchit; customs officers are instructed to verify both before granting out-of-charge.

Does the drug import licence under Heading 3003 cover all quantities and consignment sizes?

The licence issued by CDSCO specifies the permissible quantity and conditions; importers must ensure the consignment volume and product specification fall within the scope of the current licence, as any excess or deviation constitutes an unlicensed import under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

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