Basic azo dyes

Basic azo dyes and preparations based thereon

CBIC CLEARANCE

HSN 3204 13 10 (Basic azo dyes) is subject to the mandatory additional-qualifier declaration regime administered by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023. With effect from 15 October 2023, all import declarations for commodities under Chapter 32 must carry the specific chemical qualifiers stipulated in Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of that Circular.

What this is

HSN code

3204 13 10

Chapter

32 · Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments, paints and varnishes

Primary regulator

CBIC · CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023 (Chapter 32 mandatory qualifiers)

Customs documentation

Chapter 32 qualifiers declaration from CBIC
Bill of entry with CBIC qualifiers from CBIC

Compliance steps

1
Include the mandatory additional qualifiers in the import declaration for this tariff line as stipulated in Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus. These qualifiers — covering chemical identity, CAS number, and related descriptors — must be entered correctly before the bill of entry is assessed; non-compliant declarations are liable to detention at the port of import.
CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2, effective 15-10-2023
2
Verify that the same qualifier requirements are met for any co-imported goods under Chapters 28, 29, 39 and CTH 3808 shipped in the same consignment, as the Circular applies uniformly across all five covered chapter-headings.
CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is submitting a bill of entry with generic product descriptions — 'basic azo dye' or trade names only — without the specific chemical qualifiers (CAS number, chemical name, functional descriptor) required under Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus. A declaration deficient in these qualifiers is treated as non-compliant from the date of assessment, exposing the consignment to detention and demurrage while a revised declaration is processed.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 3204 13 10 require BIS certification?

No, basic azo dyes are not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. Import is governed by the mandatory additional-qualifier declaration regime administered by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus, applicable to all Chapter 32 commodities with effect from 15 October 2023.

What specific qualifiers are required in the import declaration under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus?

Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus specify the mandatory qualifiers for Chapters 28, 29, 32, 39 and CTH 3808; importers should consult the Circular directly to confirm the precise chemical descriptors required for each commodity.

From what date did the mandatory qualifier requirement become operative for Chapter 32 imports?

The requirement became operative with effect from 15 October 2023, as stipulated in CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023.

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