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HomeHSNChapter 32HSN 3204 17 70

Pigment browns

Synthetic organic pigment browns and preparations

CBIC CLEARANCE

HSN 3204 17 70 (Pigment browns) is subject to mandatory additional qualifier declarations in import filings administered by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023. Importers must furnish the chemical qualifiers specified in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of that Circular at the bill-of-entry stage, with effect from 15 October 2023.

What this is
HSN code
3204 17 70
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
  • Chemical declaration from importer
Compliance steps
  1. 1
    File the import declaration with the mandatory additional qualifiers for Chapter 32 commodities as specified in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus. These qualifiers must be furnished at the bill-of-entry stage; absent or incomplete qualifiers will result in customs examination and potential detention of the consignment.
    CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2
  2. 2
    Confirm that the qualifier requirements are met for all co-imported goods falling under Chapters 28, 29, 32, 39 and CTH 3808, as the Circular applies across these headings simultaneously. A single bill of entry covering multiple such headings must carry compliant qualifiers for each line, with effect from 15 October 2023.
    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 documentation formality and submitting the bill of entry without the specific chemical identifiers required by paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus. Incomplete qualifier declarations trigger a customs examination order, and consignments already landed at the port face demurrage and ground rent while the declaration is corrected — the Circular does not provide for a post-filing rectification window at out-of-charge.

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Frequently asked
Does HSN 3204 17 70 require BIS certification?
No, synthetic organic pigment browns are not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus, which mandates additional chemical qualifiers in import declarations for Chapter 32 commodities with effect from 15 October 2023.
What specific qualifiers are required under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus for this HSN?
The qualifiers are those stipulated in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023; importers should obtain the full qualifier schedule directly from that Circular before filing the bill of entry.
Does the qualifier obligation apply only to Chapter 32, or to other chapters imported on the same bill of entry?
The obligation extends to all goods on the same bill of entry falling under Chapters 28, 29, 32, 39 and CTH 3808; each line must independently satisfy the qualifier requirements prescribed by CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus.
Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-16. Source: CBIC / Indian Customs CUSDATA.
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