Detonating cords

Detonating cords for explosive initiation systems

PESO CLEARANCE

HSN 3603 20 00 (Detonating cords) is subject to Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) Form LE-8 licensing under the Explosives Rules, 2008. The tariff line is Restricted under the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) subject to policy condition no. 1 of Chapter 36, and import is permitted only through specified ports notified under Rule 44 of the Explosives Rules, 2008.

What this is

HSN code

3603 20 00

Chapter

36 · Explosives; pyrotechnic products; matches; pyrophoric alloys; certain combustible preparations

Primary regulator

PESO · Explosives Rules, 2008

Customs documentation

Form LE-8 licence from PESO
Specified-port declaration to CBIC
ITC (HS) policy compliance from DGFT

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

PESOPESO·Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation

Procedural directions for customs clearance are issued by: Directorate General of Foreign Trade.

Compliance steps

1
Obtain a current Form LE-8 licence from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation covering detonating cords before shipment. Upload the licence in e-Sanchit under document code 911PE1; the proper officer will verify this upload before granting out-of-charge.
Explosives Rules, 2008 · Form LE-8 · ITC (HS) policy condition 1 of Chapter 36
2
Route the consignment exclusively through one of the specified ports notified under Rule 44 of the Explosives Rules, 2008. Arrival at an unspecified port renders the consignment liable to seizure regardless of the currency of the Form LE-8 licence.
Rule 44 of the Explosives Rules, 2008
3
Ensure compliance with Rules 7, 14, 15 and 45 of the Explosives Rules, 2008 governing transport, storage, and handling of explosives. Breach of any of these provisions constitutes an independent Explosives Rules contravention separate from the licensing obligation.
Rules 7, 14, 15 and 45 of the Explosives Rules, 2008

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming that a valid Form LE-8 licence alone secures clearance. The port of discharge is equally binding: detonating cords consigned to a port not listed under Rule 44 are subject to seizure and cannot be redirected after vessel departure without triggering a separate Explosives Rules contravention. Confirm the licensed-port list against the bill of lading before the vessel sails.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 3603 20 00 require BIS certification?

No, detonating cords fall outside the BIS Quality Control Order regime; no BIS QCO covers this product family. Import is governed by Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation licensing under the Explosives Rules, 2008, with the ITC (HS) Restricted-import overlay administered by DGFT under policy condition no. 1 of Chapter 36.

Is the Form LE-8 document code 911PE1 mandatory at the bill of entry for detonating cords?

Yes. The Form LE-8 licence (document code 911PE1) must be uploaded in e-Sanchit before the proper officer grants out-of-charge; PGA-facilitated bills not routed through PESO for NOC are subject to direct verification of this upload.

Do the transport and storage rules under the Explosives Rules, 2008 apply to in-transit handling of detonating cords?

Yes. Rules 7, 14, 15 and 45 of the Explosives Rules, 2008 apply to the import consignment and govern transport, storage, and handling from the point of entry; non-compliance is treated as a licence violation independent of the Form LE-8 obligation.

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