Other

Synthetic organic pigments and preparations based thereon

CBIC CLEARANCE

HSN 3204 17 69 (synthetic organic pigments and preparations) is subject to mandatory additional qualifiers in import declarations administered by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, operative from 15 October 2023. Declarations must include the chemical qualifiers stipulated in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of that Circular for commodities under Chapters 28, 29, 32, 39 and CTH 3808.

What this is

HSN code

3204 17 69

Chapter

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

Primary regulator

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

Customs documentation

Chapter 32 qualifiers from CBIC
Import declaration from CBIC

Compliance steps

1
Ensure the import declaration for HSN 3204 17 69 includes all mandatory additional qualifiers for Chapter 32 commodities as specified in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus. Declarations filed without these qualifiers are liable to rejection or detention at the bill-of-entry stage 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 commodity description in the bill of entry reflects the specific synthetic organic pigment or preparation being imported, consistent with the qualifier requirements for Chapters 28, 29, 32, 39 and CTH 3808 under the same Circular. Generic or incomplete descriptions will not satisfy the mandatory-qualifier obligation.
CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, paragraph 4.1 and 4.2

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is filing a bill of entry with a generic product description for 'other synthetic organic pigments' without the additional chemical qualifiers mandated by CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus. The qualifier requirement applies across the entire Chapter 32 range from 15 October 2023; a non-compliant declaration triggers reassessment, detention, and demurrage while the deficiency is rectified — there is no grace window once the bill is filed.

Need a regulatory steer on this product?

Speak to a regulatory counsel about your specific HSN, IS, and supplier situation.

Speak to an Expert

Frequently asked

Does HSN 3204 17 69 require BIS certification?

No, no BIS Quality Control Order covers synthetic organic pigments under this tariff line. Import is governed by the mandatory additional qualifier regime administered by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023.

From which date are the mandatory Chapter 32 qualifiers operative for this HSN?

The mandatory additional qualifiers for import declarations under Chapter 32, including HSN 3204 17 69, are operative with effect from 15 October 2023 per CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus.

Does the qualifier obligation apply only to this 8-digit code or to the broader chapter?

The obligation applies across Chapters 28, 29, 32, 39 and CTH 3808 as specified in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus, so all synthetic organic pigment and preparation sub-headings within Chapter 32 are covered.

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