Lithopone and other pigments and preparations based on zinc sulphide

Lithopone and zinc sulphide pigments and preparations

CBIC CLEARANCE

HSN 3206 42 00 (Lithopone and other pigments and preparations based on zinc sulphide) 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. The requirement applies to all commodities under Chapter 32 and has been operative from 15 October 2023.

What this is

HSN code

3206 42 00

Chapter

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

Primary regulator

CBIC · Mandatory Chapter 32 import declaration qualifiers, CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus

Customs documentation

Chapter 32 qualifiers from CBIC
Import declaration from CBIC

Compliance steps

1
Ensure the import declaration includes all mandatory additional qualifiers stipulated in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus for commodities under Chapter 32. This requirement is operative with effect from 15 October 2023 and applies at the bill-of-entry stage.
CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2
2
Verify that the qualifier fields are complete and accurately describe the product composition before filing the bill of entry; incomplete or inaccurate qualifier declarations may result in consignment detention pending correction.
CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023

A word of counsel

The most frequent error on this tariff line is filing the bill of entry without populating the Chapter 32 mandatory qualifier fields introduced by CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus. Because the circular covers Chapters 28, 29, 32, 39 and CTH 3808 simultaneously, importers managing multiple chemical product lines sometimes apply the qualifiers selectively and inadvertently omit them for zinc sulphide pigment consignments — triggering detention and ground rent while the declaration is corrected.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 3206 42 00 require BIS certification?

No. No BIS Quality Control Order covers lithopone or zinc sulphide-based pigments. The operative requirement is the mandatory additional qualifier declaration under Chapter 32 administered by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs pursuant to CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus.

Which specific qualifier fields are required under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus for Chapter 32 goods?

The mandatory qualifiers are stipulated in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023; the circular itself contains the authoritative field list and should be consulted directly to confirm current requirements.

From what date do the Chapter 32 mandatory qualifier requirements apply?

The mandatory additional qualifier requirements for Chapter 32 commodities, including HSN 3206 42 00, apply with effect from 15 October 2023 per CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus.

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