Oranges

Synthetic organic colouring matter, orange dyes and pigments

CBIC CLEARANCE

HSN 3204 19 52 (Oranges — synthetic organic colouring matter) is subject to mandatory additional qualifier declarations administered by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023. Importers must include the Chapter 32 qualifiers specified in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of that Circular in every import declaration, with effect from 15 October 2023.

What this is

HSN code

3204 19 52

Chapter

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

Primary regulator

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

Customs documentation

Chapter 32 qualifiers from CBIC
Import declaration to CBIC

Compliance steps

1
Include all mandatory additional qualifiers for Chapter 32 commodities in the import declaration at the bill of entry, as stipulated in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus. This requirement has been operative 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 entries accurately describe the synthetic organic colouring matter — including chemical identity, end-use category, and any mixture composition where the product consists of colouring matter from two or more sub-headings 3204 11 to 3204 19. Incomplete or inaccurate qualifiers may result in bill-of-entry rejection or consignment detention.
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 filing the bill of entry without the Chapter 32 mandatory qualifiers — treating this HSN as a straightforward chemical import and overlooking the CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus overlay that applies equally to Chapters 28, 29, 32, 39 and CTH 3808. Bills filed after 15 October 2023 without compliant qualifier entries are subject to detention and re-examination, and retrospective amendment attracts demurrage and ground rent at the port.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 3204 19 52 require BIS certification?

No, synthetic organic colouring matter in the orange sub-category is not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. The operative requirement is the mandatory additional qualifier declaration under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, applicable to all import entries under Chapter 32 with effect from 15 October 2023.

What specific qualifiers must be declared under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus for this HSN?

Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus prescribe the mandatory qualifier fields for Chapters 28, 29, 32, 39 and CTH 3808; importers should refer to the Circular's Annexure for the specific data elements required for Chapter 32 synthetic organic colouring matter.

Does this qualifier obligation apply when the product is a mixture of orange with other synthetic organic colouring matter?

Yes. HSN 3204 19 52 expressly covers mixtures of colouring matter from two or more of sub-headings 3204 11 to 3204 19, and the CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus qualifier requirement applies to all commodities under Chapter 32 without a carve-out for mixtures.

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