2:4 Dichlorophenozy acetic acid and its esters

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid herbicide and its esters

DGFT CLEARANCE · CBIC CLEARANCE

HSN 3808 93 20 (2:4 Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and its esters) is subject to the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), classified as Free under DGFT Notification 45/2025-26 dated 15-10-2025, subject to policy conditions 1, 2, 4, and 7 of Chapter 38. Import ports are restricted under Rule 45 of the Insecticides Rules, 1971, and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) mandates additional Chapter 38 qualifiers in import declarations with effect from 15 October 2023.

What this is

HSN code

3808 93 20

Chapter

38 · Miscellaneous chemical products

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) Free import policy with conditions, Chapter 38

Customs documentation

Policy-condition declaration from DGFT
Chapter 38 qualifiers from CBIC
Import port compliance from CIB&RC

Compliance steps

1
Verify that the import satisfies ITC (HS) policy conditions 1, 2, 4, and 7 of Chapter 38 as updated by DGFT Notification 45/2025-26 dated 15-10-2025. Although the tariff line is classified Free, non-compliance with any named policy condition renders the consignment liable to Restricted-import enforcement at the bill of entry.
DGFT Notification 45/2025-26 dated 15-10-2025 · ITC (HS) policy conditions 1, 2, 4 and 7 of Chapter 38
2
File the bill of entry only through a port notified under Rule 45 of the Insecticides Rules, 1971 for the import of insecticides and herbicides. For consignments consisting of formulations, comply with the procedures set out in CBIC Circular 07/2014-Cus dated 07-03-2014 before out-of-charge.
Rule 45 of the Insecticides Rules, 1971 · CBIC Circular 07/2014-Cus dated 07-03-2014
3
Include all mandatory additional qualifiers for Chapter 38 commodities, including CTH 3808, in the import declaration. These qualifiers, specified in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, are compulsory with effect from 15 October 2023; omission results in detention and re-examination of the bill of entry.
CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023, paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is treating the Free import status as unconditional. The Free classification under DGFT Notification 45/2025-26 is expressly subject to four policy conditions of Chapter 38, and the port-of-import restriction under Rule 45 of the Insecticides Rules, 1971 operates independently of that status — a consignment arriving at a non-notified port is liable to seizure regardless of whether all other conditions are met. Confirm the notified port list before vessel departure.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 3808 93 20 require BIS certification?

No, 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and its esters are not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. Import is governed by the ITC (HS) policy conditions of Chapter 38 administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, with customs oversight by CBIC and a port-of-import restriction under Rule 45 of the Insecticides Rules, 1971.

Are formulations of 2,4-D treated differently from the technical-grade acid at the bill of entry?

Yes. Imports of formulations are subject to additional procedures specified in CBIC Circular 07/2014-Cus dated 07-03-2014, which must be complied with separately from the technical-grade declaration requirements.

What happens if the Chapter 38 mandatory qualifiers are omitted from the import declaration?

Omission of the additional qualifiers mandated under paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of CBIC Circular 23/2023-Cus dated 30-09-2023 triggers re-examination and detention of the bill of entry; compliance has been compulsory with effect from 15 October 2023.

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