Paper for security printing, currency paper, stamp paper

Security printing paper, currency paper, stamp paper

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 4802 56 70 (Paper for security printing, currency paper, stamp paper) is subject to the ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under 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 BRBNMPL units — subject to an actual-user condition and a certificate of import from the head of the importing unit.

What this is

HSN code

4802 56 70

Chapter

48 · Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp

Primary regulator

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

Customs documentation

Import Licence from DGFT
Certificate of import from unit head
Actual-user condition declaration

Compliance steps

1
Unless the importing entity is one of the five designated GOI note-printing presses (Currency Note Press Nasik, Bank Note Press Dewas, BRBNMPL Mysore, BRBNMPL Salboni, BRBNMPL Bangalore), obtain a DGFT Import Licence before filing the bill of entry. Import without a licence by any other entity constitutes a violation of the Restricted-import policy under ITC (HS) Chapter 48.
ITC (HS) Policy Condition 1 of Chapter 48 · DGFT Notification 13/2015-20 dated 12-07-2021
2
If importing as a designated GOI note-printing press, obtain a certificate of import signed by the head of the importing unit and ensure the consignment is covered by an actual-user condition. Both requirements must be satisfied before customs out-of-charge; the licence-exemption is not self-executing.
ITC (HS) Policy Condition 1 of Chapter 48 · DGFT Notification 13/2015-20 dated 12-07-2021
3
For security printing paper other than watermark bank note paper, comply with ITC (HS) Policy Condition 3 of Chapter 48 governing the conditions of import. Confirm applicability of Condition 3 to the specific sub-category before filing, as non-compliance triggers Restricted-import enforcement.
ITC (HS) Policy Condition 3 of Chapter 48

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming the licence-free carve-out for watermark bank note paper extends to all security printing paper under this CTI. The exemption is entity-specific — limited to the five named SPMCIL and BRBNMPL presses — and product-specific to watermark bank note paper; all other importers and all other security printing paper sub-categories remain fully Restricted and require a DGFT Import Licence regardless of end use.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 4802 56 70 require BIS certification?

No, this tariff line is not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. Import is governed by the ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under Policy Conditions 1 and 3 of Chapter 48.

Can a private security printer import currency or stamp paper under the licence-free route?

No. The licence-free route is restricted to the five named GOI note-printing presses — Currency Note Press Nasik, Bank Note Press Dewas, and the three BRBNMPL units — subject to an actual-user condition and a certificate of import from the unit head per DGFT Notification 13/2015-20 dated 12-07-2021.

What governs import of security printing paper that is not watermark bank note paper?

ITC (HS) Policy Condition 3 of Chapter 48 applies to security printing paper outside the watermark bank note paper carve-out; a DGFT Import Licence is required, and the applicable conditions under Condition 3 must be satisfied before the bill of entry is filed.

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