Green 4 (malachite green)

Malachite green basic dye and preparations

CBIC CLEARANCE

HSN 3204 13 61 (Green 4, malachite green) is subject to mandatory additional chemical qualifiers in import declarations under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, operative from 15 October 2023. The requirement applies to all commodities under Chapter 32 and mandates compliance with the declaration standards specified in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of that circular.

What this is

HSN code

3204 13 61

Chapter

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

Primary regulator

CBIC · CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus, Chapter 32 mandatory qualifiers

Customs documentation

Chapter 32 qualifiers from CBIC
Import declaration from CBIC

Compliance steps

1
Ensure the import declaration for malachite green includes all mandatory additional chemical qualifiers as stipulated in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus. This requirement is operative with effect from 15 October 2023 and applies at the bill-of-entry stage.
CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2
2
Verify that the declaration qualifiers align with the commodity description for Chapter 32 (synthetic organic colouring matter, basic dyes). Non-compliant or incomplete declarations are liable to detention of the consignment pending rectification.
CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is filing a bill of entry with the standard tariff description alone, without appending the Chapter 32 chemical qualifiers mandated under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus. Malachite green carries additional scrutiny in some jurisdictions as a restricted aquaculture chemical, but the operative Indian customs obligation at this CTI is declaration completeness — an incomplete qualifier field triggers customs examination and consignment detention pending a revised declaration.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 3204 13 61 require BIS certification?

No, malachite green basic dye is not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs mandatory declaration requirements under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus, which prescribes additional chemical qualifiers for commodities under Chapter 32.

What are the mandatory additional qualifiers required under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus for Chapter 32 imports?

Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus, operative from 15 October 2023, specify the qualifier fields to be included in import declarations for Chapters 28, 29, 32, 39 and CTH 3808; the specific fields must be confirmed against the current circular annexure before filing.

Does the CBIC qualifier requirement apply to preparations based on malachite green, or only to the pure dye?

CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus applies to all commodities under Chapter 32, which includes both the synthetic organic colouring matter and preparations based thereon falling under this CTI.

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