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HomeHSNChapter 32HSN 3204 15 81

Vat black 9 (black RB)

Vat black 9 dye, vat dye preparations

CBIC CLEARANCE

HSN 3204 15 81 (Vat black 9) is subject to mandatory additional-qualifier declarations in the import bill of entry under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) requires specific chemical-identity and composition qualifiers for all commodities under Chapter 32, operative from 15 October 2023.

What this is
HSN code
3204 15 81
Chapter
32 · Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments, paints and varnishes
Primary regulator
CBIC · Mandatory additional qualifiers, Chapter 32 (Circular 23/2023-Cus)
Customs documentation
  • Chapter 32 qualifiers from CBIC
  • Bill of entry declaration to CBIC
Compliance steps
  1. 1
    Ensure the import declaration for Vat black 9 includes all mandatory additional qualifiers specified in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus. These qualifiers cover chemical identity and composition particulars required for Chapter 32 commodities and must be correctly populated at the bill-of-entry stage.
    CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2, effective 15-10-2023
  2. 2
    Verify that the qualifier declarations are complete and accurate before filing, as deficient declarations are subject to customs examination and may result in detention of the consignment pending rectification.
    CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023
A word of counsel

The single most common error on this tariff line is filing the bill of entry without populating the Chapter 32 mandatory qualifiers introduced by CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus — particularly where the importer's system templates predate 15 October 2023 and have not been updated. An incomplete qualifier field triggers a customs query or examination order at port, causing consignment detention, demurrage, and ground rent while the declaration is corrected; the remedy is prospective and there is no retrospective waiver.

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Frequently asked
Does HSN 3204 15 81 require BIS certification?
No, vat dyes under this 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 dated 30-09-2023, applicable to Chapter 32 commodities from 15 October 2023.
Which specific qualifiers are required at the bill of entry for Chapter 32 commodities?
The required qualifiers are stipulated in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus; importers should consult the Circular directly, as the qualifier fields cover chemical-identity and composition particulars specific to the declared commodity.
Does the Chapter 32 qualifier requirement apply only to Vat black 9 or to the broader dye chapter?
The requirement applies to all commodities under Chapters 28, 29, 32, 39 and CTH 3808 as notified in CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus; Vat black 9 under HSN 3204 15 81 falls squarely within the Chapter 32 scope.
Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-16. Source: CBIC / Indian Customs CUSDATA.
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