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HomeHSNChapter 32HSN 3204 12 17

Acid brown

Acid brown dyes, premetallised acid dyes, mordant dye preparations

CBIC CLEARANCE

HSN 3204 12 17 (Acid brown) is subject to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) mandatory additional-qualifiers regime under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, operative from 15 October 2023. Importers must include the stipulated chemical-identity qualifiers in the import declaration at the bill-of-entry stage, as prescribed in Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of that Circular.

What this is
HSN code
3204 12 17
Chapter
32 · Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments, paints and varnishes
Primary regulator
CBIC · Mandatory additional qualifiers regime, Chapter 32 (Circular 23/2023-Cus)
Customs documentation
  • Chapter 32 qualifiers from CBIC
  • Import declaration from CBIC
Compliance steps
  1. 1
    Include all mandatory additional qualifiers for Chapter 32 commodities in the import declaration at the bill of entry, as stipulated in Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus. These qualifiers must accurately describe the chemical identity and nature of the acid brown dye being imported.
    CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2; effective 15-10-2023
  2. 2
    Verify that the qualifiers submitted cover the full scope required for Chapters 28, 29, 32, 39 and CTH 3808 goods, as the circular applies across all these chapters. Incomplete or inaccurate qualifier declarations may result in consignment detention and examination by the proper officer.
    CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023
A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is filing the bill of entry with the standard product description alone and omitting the chemical-identity qualifiers mandated under Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of Circular 23/2023-Cus. A declaration that omits these qualifiers is treated as non-compliant from 15 October 2023 onwards and triggers examination and potential detention of the consignment at port, with demurrage accruing until a corrected declaration is accepted.

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Frequently asked
Does HSN 3204 12 17 require BIS certification?
No, acid brown dyes are not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs mandatory additional-qualifiers requirement under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus, which applies to all synthetic organic colouring matter under Chapter 32.
What are the mandatory qualifiers required in the import declaration for this HSN?
The qualifiers are as stipulated in Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023; they cover chemical-identity descriptors applicable to commodities under Chapters 28, 29, 32, 39 and CTH 3808, and are mandatory from 15 October 2023.
Does the qualifiers requirement under Circular 23/2023-Cus apply only to Chapter 32 goods?
No, the same circular applies to commodities under Chapters 28, 29, 32, 39 and CTH 3808; importers of acid brown dyes under Chapter 32 must comply alongside importers of chemicals, plastics and pesticides under the other covered chapters.
Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-16. Source: CBIC / Indian Customs CUSDATA.
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