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HomeHSNChapter 32HSN 3208 90 90

Other

Other paints and varnishes based on synthetic polymers, non-aqueous medium

CBIC CLEARANCE

HSN 3208 90 90 (Other paints and varnishes in non-aqueous medium) is subject to Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) mandatory additional-qualifier requirements in import declarations under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023. Importers must furnish the additional qualifiers prescribed in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of that Circular at the bill-of-entry stage, effective 15 October 2023.

What this is
HSN code
3208 90 90
Chapter
32 · Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments, paints and varnishes
Primary regulator
CBIC · Mandatory additional qualifiers under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus, Chapter 32
Customs documentation
  • Chapter 32 qualifiers from CBIC
  • Bill of entry declaration to CBIC
Compliance steps
  1. 1
    Ensure the import declaration for HSN 3208 90 90 includes the mandatory additional qualifiers prescribed in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus. These qualifiers are compulsory for all commodities under Chapters 28, 29, 32, 39 and CTH 3808, effective 15 October 2023.
    CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2
  2. 2
    Verify that the bill of entry filed at the port of import correctly captures the qualifier details at the line-item level. Failure to include the stipulated qualifiers may result in the bill of entry being flagged for examination or detention by the assessing officer.
    CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023
A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is filing the bill of entry without the Chapter 32 mandatory additional qualifiers, treating 3208 90 90 as a residual 'Other' entry with no special documentation obligation. CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus applies to all eight-digit lines within the listed chapters without residual carve-outs; an incomplete declaration is treated as a misdeclaration, attracting examination, detention, and potential monetary penalty under the Customs Act, 1962.

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Frequently asked
Does HSN 3208 90 90 require BIS certification?
No, no BIS Quality Control Order covers this residual category of non-aqueous paints and varnishes. Import is governed solely by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs mandatory additional-qualifier regime under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023.
Which specific qualifiers are required at the bill of entry under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus?
The qualifiers are stipulated in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus; importers should consult those paragraphs directly for the specific data fields required for Chapter 32 commodities.
Does the mandatory-qualifier requirement under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus apply to all importers of this HSN without exception?
Yes, the requirement applies to all import declarations for commodities under Chapters 28, 29, 32, 39 and CTH 3808 with effect from 15 October 2023, with no importer-category or value-threshold exemption stated in the Circular.
Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-16. Source: CBIC / Indian Customs CUSDATA.
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