Blue 9 (methylene Blue)

Methylene Blue basic dye and preparations

CBIC CLEARANCE

HSN 3204 13 51 (Blue 9, Methylene Blue) is subject to mandatory additional qualifiers in import declarations 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, importers must include Chapter 32 mandatory qualifiers in the bill of entry as stipulated in Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of that Circular.

What this is

HSN code

3204 13 51

Chapter

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

Primary regulator

CBIC · Mandatory additional qualifiers under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus, Chapter 32

Customs documentation

Chapter 32 qualifiers from CBIC
Import declaration to CBIC

Compliance steps

1
Include the mandatory additional qualifiers in the import declaration at the bill-of-entry stage as specified in Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus. This requirement applies to all commodities under Chapter 32, including Methylene Blue (Basic Blue 9), with effect from 15 October 2023.
CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2
2
Verify that the bill of entry correctly identifies the commodity under CTH 3204 13 51 and that the qualifier data is complete before filing. Incomplete or absent qualifiers 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 without the Chapter 32 mandatory qualifiers introduced by CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus, treating the requirement as applicable only to Chapters 28 and 29. The Circular expressly extends to Chapters 28, 29, 32, 39 and CTH 3808; a declaration lacking the Paragraph 4.1 and 4.2 qualifiers is deficient from 15 October 2023 and is liable to examination and detention at the port.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 3204 13 51 require BIS certification?

No, Methylene Blue (Basic Blue 9) is not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. Import is governed by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs mandatory additional qualifier regime under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, which applies to all Chapter 32 commodities with effect from 15 October 2023.

Which specific paragraphs of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus govern the qualifier requirement for this HSN?

Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023 stipulate the mandatory additional qualifiers for import declarations covering commodities under Chapters 28, 29, 32, 39 and CTH 3808, including CTH 3204 13 51.

Are there any other PGA licences or permits required alongside the CBIC qualifier obligation?

The regulatory record records no additional sectoral PGA licence or permit for this tariff line beyond the CBIC mandatory-qualifier obligation; however, end-use-specific downstream controls may apply depending on the declared application of the Methylene Blue.

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