Paper for security printing, currency paper, stamp paper

Security printing paper, currency paper, stamp paper in rolls

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 4802 55 70 (Paper for security printing, currency paper, stamp paper) is subject to Restricted-import status under the ITC (HS) policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), governed by Policy Conditions 1 and 3 of Chapter 48. Watermark bank note paper may be imported without an import licence exclusively by designated Government of India note-printing presses — Currency Note Press Nasik, Bank Note Press Dewas (both SPMCIL units), and Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Ltd units — subject to an actual-user condition and a certificate from the head of unit.

What this is

HSN code

4802 55 70

Chapter

48 · Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) Restricted import policy, Policy Conditions 1 and 3 of Chapter 48

Customs documentation

Import Licence from DGFT
Head-of-unit certificate from SPMCIL or BRBNMPL
Actual-user condition declaration to CBIC

Compliance steps

1
Verify whether the importing entity is one of the five authorised note-printing presses (Currency Note Press Nasik, Bank Note Press Dewas, BRBNMPL Mysore, BRBNMPL Salboni, BRBNMPL Bangalore). All other importers must obtain a DGFT Import Licence before filing the bill of entry, as this CTI carries Restricted-import status under Policy Condition 1 of Chapter 48.
DGFT Notification 13/2015-20 dated 12-07-2021 · ITC (HS) Policy Condition 1 of Chapter 48
2
If importing as a designated SPMCIL or BRBNMPL unit, obtain and upload a certificate of import signed by the head of the unit, confirming the actual-user condition. This certificate substitutes the Import Licence and must be available for customs verification at out-of-charge.
DGFT Notification 13/2015-20 dated 12-07-2021 · ITC (HS) Policy Condition 1 of Chapter 48
3
Confirm compliance with ITC (HS) Policy Condition 3 of Chapter 48, which governs the import of security printing paper specifically. File the bill of entry at an appropriate customs station with the applicable policy-condition declarations in place.
ITC (HS) Policy Condition 3 of Chapter 48

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming that the watermark bank note paper carve-out extends to all security printing paper categories. Policy Condition 1 permits licence-free import of watermark bank note paper only for the five named government presses; security printing paper more broadly is governed by the separate Policy Condition 3, and an importer conflating the two carve-outs risks detention and Restricted-import enforcement — including potential confiscation — for importing without a valid DGFT licence.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 4802 55 70 require BIS certification?

No, security printing and currency paper in rolls fall outside the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under the ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy, specifically Policy Conditions 1 and 3 of Chapter 48, with a narrow licence-free carve-out for designated government note-printing presses.

Can a private paper manufacturer import under HSN 4802 55 70 without a DGFT Import Licence?

No. The licence-free route under Policy Condition 1 is available only to the five named SPMCIL and BRBNMPL presses; all other importers, including private entities, must hold a valid DGFT Import Licence before the consignment arrives at the customs station.

What is the actual-user condition for SPMCIL and BRBNMPL imports?

The imported watermark bank note paper must be consumed exclusively within the importing press for government currency or security printing purposes; onward sale or diversion to the open market breaches the actual-user condition and attracts DGFT-policy enforcement and potential confiscation under the Customs Act, 1962.

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