Toluidine red

Toluidine red pigment and preparations based thereon

CBIC CLEARANCE

HSN 3204 17 31 (Toluidine red) is subject to mandatory additional qualifier declarations in the import bill of entry under Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, operative from 15 October 2023. The circular requires specific technical qualifiers at the item level for all commodities under Chapter 32, including synthetic organic pigments and their preparations.

What this is

HSN code

3204 17 31

Chapter

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

Primary regulator

CBIC · CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus, Chapter 32 mandatory qualifier regime

Customs documentation

Chapter 32 qualifiers from CBIC
Technical declaration from importer

Compliance steps

1
Ensure the import declaration for HSN 3204 17 31 includes all mandatory additional qualifiers as stipulated in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023. These qualifiers are required at the item level in the bill of entry for Chapter 32 commodities 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 technical description in the bill of entry accurately reflects the chemical identity and preparation basis of the toluidine red pigment. Incomplete or inaccurate qualifier information may result in consignment detention pending clarification by the proper officer.
CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, paras 4.1 and 4.2

A word of counsel

The most frequent error on this tariff line is filing the bill of entry with a generic product description and omitting the Chapter 32 mandatory qualifiers required under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus. Because the qualifier obligation applies across Chapters 28, 29, 32, 39 and CTH 3808, importers accustomed to chemicals under other chapters sometimes assume compliance from a prior shipment's template; each bill of entry must independently satisfy paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2, and a deficient declaration risks detention and re-assessment.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 3204 17 31 require BIS certification?

No, toluidine red pigment is not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime; no BIS QCO covers synthetic organic pigments under Chapter 32. Import is governed by the mandatory additional qualifier declaration regime under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023.

From which date are the Chapter 32 mandatory qualifiers enforceable under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus?

The mandatory additional qualifier requirements under paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus are operative with effect from 15 October 2023 for all commodities under Chapters 28, 29, 32, 39 and CTH 3808.

Does the Chapter 32 qualifier obligation apply to preparations based on toluidine red, or only to the pure pigment?

The obligation under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus applies to commodities under Chapter 32 broadly, which includes both pigments and preparations based thereon; HSN 3204 17 31 covers toluidine red in both pure pigment and preparation form.

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