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HomeHSNChapter 32HSN 3204 15 93

Solubilised vat reds

Solubilised vat red dyes and preparations

CBIC CLEARANCE

HSN 3204 15 93 (Solubilised vat reds) is subject to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) mandatory-qualifier regime under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, operative from 15 October 2023. Importers must furnish additional chemical-identity qualifiers in the import declaration at the bill-of-entry stage as stipulated in Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of that Circular.

What this is
HSN code
3204 15 93
Chapter
32 · Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments, paints and varnishes
Primary regulator
CBIC · Mandatory qualifier declarations, Chapter 32 (Circular 23/2023-Cus)
Customs documentation
  • Chapter 32 qualifiers from CBIC
  • Commercial invoice from exporter
Compliance steps
  1. 1
    At the bill of entry, include all mandatory additional qualifiers for Chapter 32 commodities as prescribed in Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus. These chemical-identity declarations are required on every import declaration filed on or after 15 October 2023.
    CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2
  2. 2
    Ensure the commercial invoice and accompanying technical documentation from the foreign supplier accurately reflect the chemical identity and specification of the solubilised vat red, consistent with the qualifier fields required under the Circular. Mismatches between the declared qualifiers and the product specification are treated as misdeclaration at the bill of entry.
    CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023
A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is treating the Chapter 32 qualifier obligation as a format check rather than a substantive chemical-identity declaration. Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus require that the qualifiers accurately describe the specific vat dye variant — incomplete or generic entries trigger customs examination and can result in the consignment being held pending re-declaration, with demurrage and ground rent accruing at the port.

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Frequently asked
Does HSN 3204 15 93 require BIS certification?
No, solubilised vat red dyes are not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs mandatory-qualifier declaration requirement under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus, operative from 15 October 2023.
Which chapters are covered by the CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus qualifier requirement?
The mandatory additional qualifier obligation applies to commodities under Chapters 28, 29, 32 and 39, and CTH 3808, with effect from 15 October 2023 per CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023.
What happens if the qualifier fields in the import declaration are incomplete or inaccurate?
An incomplete or inaccurate qualifier declaration constitutes a misdeclaration under the Customs Act, 1962, and can result in customs examination, consignment detention, and monetary penalty, with demurrage accruing until the declaration is corrected.
Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-16. Source: CBIC / Indian Customs CUSDATA.
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