Vat blue 20 (dark blue 30)

Vat dyes and preparations, vat blue 20

CBIC CLEARANCE

HSN 3204 15 55 (Vat blue 20 / dark blue 30) is subject to mandatory additional-qualifier 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, import declarations for Chapter 32 commodities must include the stipulated qualifiers at paras 4.1 and 4.2 of that Circular.

What this is

HSN code

3204 15 55

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 from CBIC

Compliance steps

1
Include all mandatory additional qualifiers prescribed under paras 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus in the import declaration at the bill of entry. 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, paras 4.1 and 4.2
2
Verify that the bill of entry accurately describes the dye by its Colour Index name and number (Vat Blue 20 / Dark Blue 30) to satisfy the Chapter 32 qualifier requirements. Incomplete or generic product descriptions at the declaration stage attract customs examination and potential detention.
CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, paras 4.1 and 4.2

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is filing a generic dye description — naming only the commercial trade name without including the Colour Index designation and the Chapter 32 additional qualifiers mandated from 15 October 2023. An incomplete declaration triggers a customs examination flag under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus, which can result in consignment detention, demurrage, and ground rent before out-of-charge is granted.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 3204 15 55 require BIS certification?

No, vat dyes including Vat Blue 20 are not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. The operative compliance requirement is the mandatory additional-qualifier declaration for Chapter 32 commodities under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, effective 15 October 2023.

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

Paras 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus prescribe the mandatory additional qualifiers for Chapter 32 commodities; importers should consult the Circular directly to ensure all stipulated descriptors — including Colour Index name and number — are included in the bill of entry.

Does the CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus qualifier requirement apply to preparations based on vat dyes, not just pure dye substances?

Yes. The requirement applies to all commodities classified under Chapter 32, which includes preparations based on vat dyes as specified in Note 3 to that Chapter, not only chemically pure dye substances.

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