Thermal paper for fax machines

Thermal paper for fax machines, coated paper rolls

PIMS CLEARANCE

HSN 4811 90 93 (Thermal paper for fax machines) is subject to compulsory registration under the Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS) administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), pursuant to DGFT Notification 11/2015-2020 dated 25-05-2022. Import policy is Free, but clearance requires a valid PIMS Registration Number entered on the bill of entry, with registration available between the 75th and 5th day before the expected arrival date.

What this is

HSN code

4811 90 93

Chapter

48 · Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp

Primary regulator

PIMS · ITC (HS) 2022 Chapter 48 policy condition, compulsory PIMS registration

Customs documentation

PIMS Registration Number from DGFT
Registration expiry declaration to CBIC
Bill of entry with PIMS details

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
Apply for PIMS registration at https://imports.gov.in between the 75th and 5th day before the expected date of arrival of the consignment. Pay the registration fee of ₹500 to obtain the automatic Registration Number, which remains valid for 75 days from grant.
DGFT Notification 11/2015-2020 dated 25-05-2022 · ITC (HS) 2022 Chapter 48 PIMS policy condition
2
Enter the PIMS Registration Number and its expiry date on the bill of entry before filing. Multiple bills of entry are permitted under the same Registration Number within the 75-day validity period, provided the total quantity does not exceed the permitted quantity registered.
DGFT Notification 11/2015-2020 dated 25-05-2022
3
If importing into an SEZ, FTWZ, or as an EOU, obtain PIMS registration at the point of entry into the zone. A DTA unit clearing the goods from an SEZ/FTWZ/EOU need not re-register under PIMS unless processing has occurred that changes the 8-digit HS code to a PIMS-covered tariff line.
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 most common error on this tariff line is applying for the PIMS Registration Number too late — the window closes on the 5th day before expected arrival, and a consignment reaching port without a valid Registration Number on the bill of entry cannot be cleared by customs, resulting in detention and accruing demurrage. Note also that the 75-day validity is counted from the date of grant, not from the date of arrival; a Registration Number obtained early in the window may expire before a delayed vessel arrives, requiring a fresh application and fee.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 4811 90 93 require BIS certification?

No, thermal paper for fax machines is not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. Import is governed by the compulsory PIMS registration requirement under the ITC (HS) 2022 Chapter 48 policy condition administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, per DGFT Notification 11/2015-2020.

What is the registration fee and validity window for PIMS registration under this HSN?

The registration fee is ₹500, and the automatic Registration Number is valid for 75 days from grant. Application must be made not earlier than the 75th day and not later than the 5th day before the expected date of arrival of the consignment.

Does an EOU or SEZ unit importing thermal fax paper need PIMS registration?

Yes. Per DGFT Policy Circular 41/2015-2020, PIMS registration is required by an EOU or SEZ/FTWZ unit at the point of import; a DTA unit clearing from a zone only requires separate registration if the goods have undergone processing that changes the 8-digit HS code to a PIMS-covered tariff line.

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