In rolls of a width not exceeding 5 cm

Cigarette paper in rolls, width not exceeding 5 cm

PIMS CLEARANCE

HSN 4813 20 00 (cigarette paper in rolls of width not exceeding 5 cm) 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, which requires advance submission of an online application and payment of a registration fee of ₹500 to obtain an automatic Registration Number valid for 75 days.

What this is

HSN code

4813 20 00

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 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 the Paper Import Monitoring System at https://imports.gov.in no earlier than the 75th day and no later than the 5th day before the expected date of arrival. Pay the registration fee of ₹500 to obtain an automatic Registration Number valid for 75 days; multiple bills of entry are permitted under the same Registration Number within the validity period for the permitted quantity.
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 in the bill of entry before filing. Failure to quote a valid, current Registration Number prevents customs out-of-charge and renders the consignment liable to detention.
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 unprocessed paper from an SEZ/FTWZ/EOU already registered under PIMS need not re-register, but if processing has changed the 8-digit HS code to another PIMS-covered tariff line, fresh PIMS registration is required before DTA clearance.
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 misreading the application window: the PIMS registration window opens on the 75th day before expected arrival and closes on the 5th day before arrival — applications outside this window are rejected and the Registration Number cannot be obtained post-arrival, leaving the consignment detained at port with demurrage and ground rent accumulating. Registration validity is 75 days from grant; a consignment arriving after expiry requires a fresh registration before out-of-charge can be granted.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 4813 20 00 require BIS certification?

No, cigarette paper in rolls is not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime; no BIS QCO covers this product family. Import is governed by 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 compulsory PIMS registration.

How long is the PIMS Registration Number valid, and can it cover multiple shipments?

The automatic Registration Number is valid for 75 days from the date of grant; multiple bills of entry are permitted under the same Registration Number within that validity period, provided the total quantity does not exceed the permitted quantity registered.

Does a DTA unit clearing cigarette paper from an SEZ need a separate PIMS registration?

Not if the paper was already registered under PIMS at SEZ entry and no processing has occurred; however, if processing in the SEZ changed the 8-digit HS code to another PIMS-covered tariff line, the DTA importer must obtain a fresh PIMS registration before customs clearance, per DGFT Policy Circular 41/2015-2020.

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