Self-copy paper

Self-copy paper in rolls or sheets (carbonless copy paper)

BIS QCO APPLICABLE · ISI MARK SCHEME · IS 14490 · PIMS OVERLAY

HSN 4809 20 00 (self-copy paper) is covered by a Bureau of Indian Standards Quality Control Order. Conformity to IS 14490:2018 is mandatory under the ISI Mark Scheme with effect from 04 December 2020, by virtue of the Plain Copier Paper Quality Control Order, 2020. Paper Import Monitoring System registration administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade applies as a separate customs-clearance overlay.

What this is

HSN code

4809 20 00

Chapter

48 · Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp

BIS QCO

Applicable · ISI Mark Scheme · CM/L required

Indian Standard

IS 14490:2018 · effective 04-12-2020

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

BISBIS·Bureau of Indian Standards

PIMSPIMS·Paper Import Monitoring System

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

Compliance steps

1
Source only from a Bureau of Indian Standards CM/L-licensed manufacturer holding a current licence against IS 14490:2018. Verify the supplier's CM/L number, licensed product scope (CB, CFB, and CF grades), and licensed manufacturing facility on the BIS online register before placing the purchase order.
Plain Copier Paper Quality Control Order, 2020 · S.O. 2149(E) dated 05-06-2020 · IS 14490:2018
2
Ensure every roll or sheet bears the ISI Standard Mark and the supplier's CM/L number per Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. Marking must appear on the product or its primary packaging in a manner that is traceable to the licensed manufacturing facility.
Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 · S.O. 2149(E) dated 05-06-2020
3
Register the consignment on the Paper Import Monitoring System portal no earlier than 75 days and no later than 5 days before the expected date of arrival. Fee ₹500; the automatic registration number is valid for 75 days. Multiple bills of entry are permitted within one registration for the permitted quantity.
DGFT Notification 11/2015-2020 dated 25-05-2022 · ITC (HS) 2022 Chapter 48 policy condition
4
Enter the PIMS registration number and its expiry date on the bill of entry, alongside the supplier's BIS CM/L number. Customs verifies both independently; an absent, expired, or scope-mismatched CM/L or an expired PIMS registration number triggers consignment detention.
DGFT Notification 11/2015-2020 dated 25-05-2022 · Plain Copier Paper Quality Control Order, 2020 · BIS Act, 2016 · Customs Act, 1962
5
If the consignment enters or exits a Special Economic Zone, Free Trade Warehousing Zone, or Export-Oriented Unit, confirm whether PIMS registration is required at the point of import into the zone and whether subsequent DTA clearance triggers a fresh registration obligation. A change in HS code at the 8-digit level after processing in the zone restarts the PIMS requirement.
DGFT Policy Circular 41/2015-2020 dated 05-07-2022 · DGFT Policy Circular 45/2015-2020 dated 23-01-2023

A word of counsel

The single most common error on this tariff line is confusing the product scope of IS 14490:2018. The standard governs carbonless (pressure-sensitive) copy paper — CB, CFB, and CF grades — used in multipart business forms, invoices, and continuous stationery; it does not extend to plain copier paper for laser or inkjet use. Importers routinely cite an incorrect supplier licence or none at all when the product is misdescribed at purchase-order stage as generic copier paper, resulting in port detention when Customs cross-checks the CM/L scope against the product data sheet.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 4809 20 00 require BIS certification?

Yes. Self-copy paper under this tariff line requires conformity to IS 14490:2018 under the ISI Mark Scheme, with effect from 04 December 2020, by virtue of the Plain Copier Paper Quality Control Order, 2020 (S.O. 2149(E)). Import is permitted only from manufacturers holding a current BIS CM/L licence.

Is Paper Import Monitoring System registration required separately from BIS QCO compliance?

Yes. PIMS registration is administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under DGFT Notification 11/2015-2020 and is independent of the BIS QCO obligation. The registration fee is ₹500, the registration window opens 75 days before the expected arrival date, and validity is 75 days.

Does PIMS registration apply when the consignment enters an SEZ, FTWZ, or EOU?

Yes, PIMS registration is required at the point of import into an SEZ, FTWZ, or EOU. A separate PIMS registration is required for subsequent DTA clearance only if the HS code at the 8-digit level changes due to processing in the zone, per DGFT Policy Circular 41/2015-2020.

Does a single CM/L licence cover all grades of carbonless copy paper from the same manufacturer?

No. A CM/L licence is scope-specific; it must cover the particular grade (CB, CFB, or CF) and the licensed manufacturing facility. Paper outside the licensed grade or from an unlicensed plant is not covered and will be detained at Customs.

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