Other

Basic dyes and preparations based thereon, other

CBIC CLEARANCE

HSN 3204 13 99 (Other basic dyes and preparations) is subject to mandatory additional qualifiers in the import declaration 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 include the stipulated chemical qualifiers at the bill-of-entry stage.

What this is

HSN code

3204 13 99

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 from CBIC
Import declaration to CBIC

Compliance steps

1
Ensure the import declaration for this tariff line includes all mandatory additional qualifiers prescribed under paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus. This requirement applies to all commodities under Chapters 28, 29, 32, 39 and CTH 3808 with effect from 15 October 2023.
CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, Para 4.1 and 4.2
2
Upload the bill of entry in e-Sanchit with the Chapter 32 qualifiers correctly populated before out-of-charge. Incomplete or missing qualifiers will cause the declaration to fail the CBIC system check and result in consignment detention.
CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023

A word of counsel

The most common error on this residual tariff line is filing the import declaration without populating the Chapter 32 chemical qualifiers — CAS number, chemical name, or purity specification — on the ground that the goods are a preparation or blend rather than a chemically defined substance. CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus applies to preparations based on synthetic organic colouring matter equally; a declaration missing the para 4.1 and 4.2 qualifiers is treated as a deficient bill of entry, exposing the importer to detention and demurrage at port.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 3204 13 99 require BIS certification?

No, basic dyes and preparations under this residual tariff line are not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. The operative obligation is the mandatory chemical-qualifier requirement in import declarations under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus, applicable with effect from 15 October 2023.

From what date do the Chapter 32 mandatory qualifiers apply, and which paragraphs govern the specific requirements?

The mandatory additional qualifiers apply with effect from 15 October 2023; the specific requirements for the declaration content are set out in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30 September 2023.

Do the CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus qualifier requirements apply only to pure chemical substances or also to preparations?

The circular applies to all commodities under Chapter 32, including preparations based on synthetic organic colouring matter; the qualifier obligation is not limited to chemically defined single substances.

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