Other

Synthetic organic pigments and preparations based thereon

CBIC CLEARANCE

HSN 3204 17 59 (Other synthetic organic pigments and preparations) is subject to mandatory additional qualifier declarations in the import declaration, administered by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023. The qualifier requirements under paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of that Circular apply to all commodities under Chapter 32, with effect from 15 October 2023.

What this is

HSN code

3204 17 59

Chapter

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

Primary regulator

CBIC · Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, Chapter 32 mandatory qualifiers

Customs documentation

Chapter 32 qualifiers from CBIC
Import declaration from CBIC

Compliance steps

1
At the time of filing the bill of entry, include all mandatory additional qualifiers in the import declaration as stipulated in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus. 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, paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2
2
Verify that the qualifier declarations accurately describe the chemical identity and composition of the synthetic organic pigment being imported. Incomplete or inaccurate qualifier fields at the bill-of-entry stage may result in consignment detention pending customs verification.
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 treating the Chapter 32 qualifier requirement as a labelling formality rather than a substantive declaration obligation. CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus mandates specific chemical-identity qualifiers at the line level of the import declaration; a bill of entry filed without the requisite paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 qualifiers is non-compliant from lodgement date, and the consequent customs query — or outright detention — cannot be cured by a post-filing amendment at most ports without a formal reassessment.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 3204 17 59 require BIS certification?

No, synthetic organic pigments under this tariff line are not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. The operative requirement is the mandatory additional qualifier declaration in the import bill of entry under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, applicable to all Chapter 32 commodities from 15 October 2023.

Which specific qualifier fields must be completed in the import declaration for Chapter 32 goods under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus?

The mandatory qualifiers are prescribed in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023; importers should refer directly to those paragraphs to identify the applicable chemical-identity and composition fields for the specific pigment being imported.

Does the CBIC qualifier requirement under Circular 23/2023-Cus apply to preparations based on synthetic organic pigments, or only to the pigments themselves?

The requirement extends to commodities classified under Chapter 32 broadly, which includes preparations based on synthetic organic pigments; both the pigment and its formulated preparations falling under CTH 3204 17 59 are subject to the paragraph 4.1 and 4.2 qualifier obligations.

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