Photographic base paper, uncoated

Uncoated photographic base paper for photo-sensitive applications

PIMS CLEARANCE

HSN 4802 20 10 (Photographic base paper, uncoated) is subject to compulsory registration under the Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS) administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under DGFT Notification 11/2015-2020 dated 25-05-2022. Import policy is Free subject to PIMS registration, requiring advance submission of import details at imports.gov.in and payment of a ₹500 registration fee to obtain an automatic Registration Number before the consignment arrives.

What this is

HSN code

4802 20 10

Chapter

48 · Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp

Primary regulator

PIMS · ITC (HS) Free import policy subject to compulsory PIMS registration, Chapter 48

Customs documentation

PIMS Registration Number from DGFT
Bill of Entry with Registration Number and expiry date
ITC (HS) policy compliance declaration

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

PIMSPIMS·Paper Import Monitoring System

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

Compliance steps

1
Register under PIMS at imports.gov.in not earlier than the 75th day and not later than the 5th day before the expected date of arrival of the consignment. Pay the ₹500 registration fee to obtain the automatic Registration Number, which remains valid for 75 days and may cover multiple bills of entry for the permitted quantity within that validity period.
DGFT Notification 11/2015-2020 dated 25-05-2022 · ITC (HS) 2022 Chapter 48 policy condition
2
Enter the PIMS Registration Number and its expiry date in the bill of entry at the time of filing. Omission of the Registration Number or filing after expiry prevents customs clearance and exposes the consignment to detention at the port of import.
DGFT Notification 11/2015-2020 dated 25-05-2022
3
If importing into an SEZ, FTWZ or EOU, obtain PIMS registration at the point of import into the zone. A separate PIMS registration is required by the DTA unit on clearance from the SEZ/FTWZ/EOU only if processing has occurred and the HS code at the 8-digit level has changed to a PIMS-covered tariff line.
DGFT Policy Circular 41/2015-2020 dated 05-07-2022 · DGFT Policy Circular 45/2015-20 dated 23-01-2023

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is applying for PIMS registration too close to the vessel's arrival date. The registration window closes on the 5th day before the expected date of arrival, and an application filed after that date yields no Registration Number — the consignment is held at the port and accrues demurrage and ground rent while the importer seeks a fresh registration cycle. Build the 75-day advance window into the purchase order timeline, not the shipping timeline.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 4802 20 10 require BIS certification?

No, uncoated photographic base paper is not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. Import is governed solely by compulsory registration under the Paper Import Monitoring System administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under DGFT Notification 11/2015-2020, with import policy classified as Free subject to that registration.

Can one PIMS Registration Number cover multiple bills of entry?

Yes. Multiple bills of entry are permitted under the same Registration Number within its 75-day validity period, provided the total imported quantity does not exceed the quantity registered. The Registration Number and its expiry date must appear on each bill of entry.

Does a DTA unit clearing PIMS-registered paper from an SEZ or EOU need a fresh PIMS registration?

Only if processing has taken place in the SEZ, FTWZ or EOU that results in a change of HS code at the 8-digit level to a PIMS-covered tariff line; if the paper is cleared without such processing, no further PIMS registration is required per DGFT Policy Circular 41/2015-2020.

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