Other

Matches other than pyrotechnic articles of heading 3604

PESO CLEARANCE

HSN 3605 00 90 (Matches, other than pyrotechnic articles of heading 3604 — residual category) is subject to Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) 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), and import is permitted only through specified ports notified under Rule 44 of the Explosives Rules, 2008.

What this is

HSN code

3605 00 90

Chapter

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

Primary regulator

PESO · Explosives Rules, 2008

Customs documentation

Import 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 valid PESO import licence covering the category and quantity of matches to be imported and upload it in e-Sanchit before filing the bill of entry. The ITC (HS) Restricted-import status requires compliance with Policy Condition No. 1 of Chapter 36 administered by DGFT.
ITC (HS) Import Policy, Policy Condition No. 1 of Chapter 36 · Explosives Rules, 2008
2
Route the consignment exclusively through one of the specified ports notified under Rule 44 of the Explosives Rules, 2008. Diversion to an unspecified port renders the consignment liable to seizure; confirm the port against the PESO-notified list before vessel departure.
Rule 44 of the Explosives Rules, 2008
3
Confirm compliance with Rules 7, 14, 15 and 45 of the Explosives Rules, 2008 governing transport, storage, and handling conditions. Non-conformance is treated as a separate Explosives Rules contravention independent of the import-licence violation.
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 matches — being everyday consumer goods — fall outside PESO's explosives licensing framework. Heading 3605 sits squarely in Chapter 36 alongside blasting powder and pyrotechnics; the Explosives Rules, 2008 apply in full, including the specified-port restriction under Rule 44. A consignment arriving at an unnotified port is detained and subject to confiscation even when the PESO licence is otherwise current and valid.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 3605 00 90 require BIS certification?

No, no BIS Quality Control Order covers matches under this residual tariff line. Import is governed by Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation licensing under the Explosives Rules, 2008, with the ITC (HS) Restricted-import overlay administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under Policy Condition No. 1 of Chapter 36.

Which ports are permitted for the import of matches under this tariff line?

Import is permitted only through specified ports notified under Rule 44 of the Explosives Rules, 2008; the current list is published by PESO and must be verified before booking shipment.

Does the PESO explosives licensing requirement apply to all matches or only safety matches?

HSN 3605 00 90 is the residual 'Other' category under heading 3605 covering matches other than pyrotechnic articles of heading 3604; the Explosives Rules, 2008 and the Restricted-import policy condition apply to all goods classified under this CTI regardless of match type.

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