Screen printing ink

Screen printing ink, other printing inks

CBIC CLEARANCE

HSN 3215 19 40 (Screen printing ink) is subject to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) mandatory additional-qualifier regime under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, operative from 15 October 2023. Importers must include the Chapter 32 additional qualifiers specified in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of that circular in all import declarations at the bill-of-entry stage.

What this is

HSN code

3215 19 40

Chapter

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

Primary regulator

CBIC · Mandatory additional qualifiers, Chapter 32 — Circular 23/2023-Cus

Customs documentation

Chapter 32 qualifiers from CBIC
Import declaration from CBIC

Compliance steps

1
Include all mandatory additional qualifiers for Chapter 32 commodities as stipulated in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus in the import declaration. This requirement applies to screen printing ink under HSN 3215 19 40 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 bill of entry accurately reflects all qualifier fields before filing; an incomplete or deficient declaration may result in detention and a request for amendment by the customs proper officer at the port of import.
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 qualifiers, treating screen printing ink as a routine chemical import. CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus extends the qualifier obligation across Chapters 28, 29, 32, 39 and CTH 3808; importers who handle multiple chemical chapters sometimes apply the qualifiers only to their primary chapter and miss the Chapter 32 declaration fields for ink consignments, triggering detention and ground rent at port.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 3215 19 40 require BIS certification?

No, screen printing ink is not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. The operative requirement is the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs mandatory additional-qualifier declaration under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, applicable from 15 October 2023.

Which specific qualifier fields must be declared for Chapter 32 under CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus?

The mandatory qualifiers are those stipulated in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023; the exact field list is set out in that circular and applies to all commodities under Chapter 32, including screen printing ink under HSN 3215 19 40.

Does the mandatory-qualifier obligation apply to samples or small-quantity imports of screen printing ink?

The circular does not provide a quantity-based exemption; the Chapter 32 additional-qualifier requirement under paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus applies to all commercial import declarations for this tariff line regardless of shipment size.

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