Other

Synthetic organic pigments and preparations based thereon

CBIC CLEARANCE

HSN 3204 17 90 (Other synthetic organic pigments and preparations) is subject to mandatory additional qualifiers in import declarations under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, applicable to commodities under Chapter 32 with effect from 15 October 2023. Importers must ensure that the bill of entry declaration includes all chemical-identity qualifiers stipulated in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of that Circular.

What this is

HSN code

3204 17 90

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
Bill of entry declaration to CBIC

Compliance steps

1
Include all mandatory additional qualifiers for Chapter 32 commodities in the import declaration as stipulated in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus. These qualifiers cover chemical identity and composition details and are required on every bill of entry filed on or after 15 October 2023.
CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2
2
Verify that the import declaration accurately describes the specific synthetic organic pigment or preparation, including any chemically defined identity, to satisfy the Chapter 32 qualifier requirements. Non-compliant declarations are liable to be held for re-assessment or detained at customs.
CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is filing a generic bill of entry description — "synthetic organic pigment" or "pigment preparation" — without the chemical-identity qualifiers mandated by paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus. An incomplete declaration triggers re-assessment or detention even when the underlying goods are fully compliant; the qualifier requirement applies to all Chapter 32 entries, including residual "Other" sub-headings such as this one.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 3204 17 90 require BIS certification?

No, synthetic organic pigments and preparations under this tariff line are not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. Import is governed by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs under Circular 23/2023-Cus, which mandates additional chemical-identity qualifiers in the import declaration with effect from 15 October 2023.

What specific information must the mandatory qualifiers include under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus?

Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus stipulate the chemical-identity and composition details required for commodities under Chapters 28, 29, 32, 39 and CTH 3808; the exact qualifier fields must be populated in the import declaration at the bill of entry stage.

Does the qualifier requirement under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus apply to all pigment preparations under Chapter 32, including residual sub-headings?

Yes, the Circular applies to all commodities under Chapter 32, including residual "Other" sub-headings such as 3204 17 90, with mandatory compliance from 15 October 2023.

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