Other

Vat dyes and preparations based thereon, residual

CBIC CLEARANCE

HSN 3204 15 29 (Other vat dyes and preparations) is subject to mandatory additional declaration qualifiers in the import bill of entry under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, effective 15 October 2023. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) requires importers of commodities under Chapters 28, 29, 32, 39 and CTH 3808 to furnish specific chemical-identity qualifiers at the declaration stage per Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of that Circular.

What this is

HSN code

3204 15 29

Chapter

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

Primary regulator

CBIC · Mandatory additional qualifiers, Chapter 32 import declarations

Customs documentation

Chapter 32 qualifiers from CBIC
Import declaration from CBIC

Compliance steps

1
Include all mandatory additional qualifiers for Chapter 32 commodities in the import declaration at the bill-of-entry stage, as stipulated in Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus. This requirement has been operative from 15 October 2023 and applies to every consignment irrespective of quantity.
CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2, effective 15-10-2023
2
Verify that the exporter's documentation and the commercial invoice contain sufficient chemical-identity information to support the qualifier fields required at entry. Incomplete or absent qualifier data at the bill-of-entry stage may result in consignment detention pending clarification by the proper officer.
CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is filing the bill of entry without pre-populating the Chapter 32 chemical-identity qualifiers, treating them as optional enrichment rather than mandatory declaration fields. Omission or generic description in the qualifier fields triggers detention and a request for clarification from the proper officer, incurring demurrage and ground rent while the importer obtains supplementary technical documentation from the foreign supplier.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 3204 15 29 require BIS certification?

No, vat dyes and preparations under this residual tariff line are not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. The operative compliance requirement is the mandatory additional qualifier declaration under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus, applicable to all Chapter 32 import entries from 15 October 2023.

What specific qualifiers must be declared under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus for Chapter 32 imports?

Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus specify the mandatory chemical-identity qualifier fields for commodities under Chapters 28, 29, 32, 39 and CTH 3808; the importer must ensure the commercial invoice and supporting documents carry sufficient detail to populate those fields at the bill-of-entry stage.

Does the qualifier requirement apply to small or sample consignments of vat dyes?

The Circular prescribes no minimum-quantity threshold; the mandatory additional qualifier obligation under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus applies to all import declarations for Chapter 32 commodities, including sample and trial shipments.

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