Citronella oil

Citronella essential oil, other essential oils

PARTNER GOVERNMENT AGENCY CLEARANCE

HSN 3301 19 10 (Citronella oil) is an essential oil classified under Chapter 33 and imported under the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). No sectoral Partner Government Agency licence or permit is mandated at the bill-of-entry stage for this tariff line. Importers should note that mixtures of odoriferous substances are classifiable under HSN 3302, not 3301 19 10.

What this is

HSN code

3301 19 10

Chapter

33 · Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) import policy, Chapter 33

Customs documentation

Import declaration from DGFT
Certificate of origin from exporter

Compliance steps

1
Verify at the time of classification that the goods are pure citronella essential oil and not a mixture of odoriferous substances. Mixtures are classifiable under HSN 3302 and a mis-declared consignment attracts customs re-assessment, detention, and potential penalty under the Customs Act, 1962.
CCR classification note: mixtures of odoriferous substances classifiable under 3302
2
File the bill of entry under the correct 8-digit CTI 3301 19 10 and ensure the commercial invoice and packing list describe the goods as pure citronella essential oil consistent with the tariff descriptor. DGFT free-import status applies only where the classification and description are accurate.
ITC (HS) import policy, Chapter 33 · Customs Act, 1962

A word of counsel

The single most common error on this tariff line is the mis-classification of blended or compounded citronella-based products as HSN 3301 19 10 when the correct heading is 3302. A consignment declared as pure citronella oil that is found on examination to contain blended odoriferous substances will be re-assessed to 3302, attracting differential duty demand, detention, and demurrage for the duration of re-assessment proceedings.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 3301 19 10 require BIS certification?

No. Citronella oil is not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. Import is governed by the ITC (HS) free-import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, with no sectoral PGA licence or permit mandated at the bill of entry.

What is the difference between HSN 3301 19 10 and HSN 3302 for citronella-based products?

HSN 3301 19 10 covers pure citronella essential oil; mixtures of odoriferous substances — including blended citronella compounds used as flavouring or fragrance bases — are classifiable under HSN 3302 per the CCR classification note.

Are there any port restrictions or quantity limits on the import of citronella oil?

The regulatory record does not record any designated-port restriction or quantity ceiling for HSN 3301 19 10; the tariff line is treated as a free-import item under the ITC (HS) policy, Chapter 33.

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