Paper for fax machine

Self-copy paper for fax machines

PIMS CLEARANCE

HSN 4816 20 20 (Paper for fax machine) is Free for import 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. Importers must obtain an automatic Registration Number via the PIMS online portal at imports.gov.in before the consignment arrives, entering the number and its expiry date on the bill of entry for customs clearance.

What this is

HSN code

4816 20 20

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 Number and expiry date
Registration fee receipt from DGFT

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 on the PIMS online portal at imports.gov.in not earlier than the 75th day and not later than the 5th day before the expected date of arrival. Pay the registration fee of Rs. 500 to obtain the automatic Registration Number, which is valid for 75 days and permits multiple bills of entry for the permitted quantity within that validity period.
DGFT Notification 11/2015-2020 dated 25-05-2022 · ITC (HS) 2022, Chapter 48 policy condition
2
Enter the PIMS Registration Number and its expiry date in the bill of entry before filing. Customs clearance of the consignment is conditional on this entry; a bill of entry filed without the Registration Number will not obtain out-of-charge.
DGFT Notification 11/2015-2020 dated 25-05-2022
3
If importing into a SEZ, FTWZ, or as an EOU, obtain PIMS registration at the point of import. A DTA unit clearing unprocessed paper from a SEZ/FTWZ/EOU does not require separate PIMS registration, but if the paper has been processed with an 8-digit HS code change and the resultant item falls under a PIMS-covered tariff line, fresh PIMS registration is required at the DTA clearance stage.
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 applying for PIMS registration too early or too late: the window opens on day 75 and closes on day 5 before expected arrival, and an application outside this window cannot generate a valid Registration Number. A consignment arriving with no current PIMS Registration Number on the bill of entry faces detention and ground rent accrual at the port until a valid registration is produced — the 75-day validity window does not reset from the date of detention.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 4816 20 20 require BIS certification?

No, self-copy paper for fax machines is not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by the compulsory Paper Import Monitoring System registration administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under DGFT Notification 11/2015-2020 dated 25-05-2022.

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

The automatic Registration Number is valid for 75 days from issuance, and multiple bills of entry are permitted under the same registration within that validity period, provided the imported quantity does not exceed the permitted quantity registered.

Does an SEZ or EOU unit need PIMS registration when clearing paper into the DTA?

Only if the paper has undergone processing resulting in an 8-digit HS code change and the processed item falls under a PIMS-covered tariff line; unprocessed paper already registered under PIMS at the time of entry into the SEZ/FTWZ/EOU does not require re-registration at the DTA clearance stage, per DGFT Policy Circular 41/2015-2020.

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