Other

Self-copy paper, other than standard grades

PIMS CLEARANCE

HSN 4816 20 90 (Self-copy paper, other) is subject to compulsory registration under the Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS) administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), operative for 201 tariff lines under Chapter 48 of the ITC (HS) 2022. Importers must obtain an automatic Registration Number via the PIMS online portal at imports.gov.in by paying a registration fee of ₹500, and must enter the Registration Number and its expiry date in the bill of entry to obtain customs clearance.

What this is

HSN code

4816 20 90

Chapter

48 · Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp

Primary regulator

PIMS · ITC (HS) Free 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
Apply for PIMS registration on the DGFT portal at imports.gov.in no earlier than 75 days and no later than 5 days before the expected arrival of the consignment. Pay the registration fee of ₹500; the system issues an automatic Registration Number valid for 75 days, within which multiple bills of entry are permitted for the registered 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. Customs will not grant out-of-charge for consignments filed on or after 01 October 2022 where the Registration Number is absent or expired.
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 import into the zone. When the processed output re-enters the DTA with no change in 8-digit HS code, PIMS registration is not required at the DTA clearance stage; however, if processing has changed the HS code at the 8-digit level to another PIMS-covered tariff line, a 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 75-day application window as a 75-day validity window and applying too late. The registration application must be submitted not later than 5 days before the vessel's expected arrival; a consignment reaching port without a valid Registration Number cannot be cleared and will accumulate demurrage and ground rent while a fresh registration is processed. The 75-day validity runs from the grant of the Registration Number, not from the date of arrival.

Need a regulatory steer on this product?

Speak to a regulatory counsel about your specific HSN, IS, and supplier situation.

Speak to an Expert

Frequently asked

Does HSN 4816 20 90 require BIS certification?

No, self-copy paper under this tariff line falls outside the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by the Paper Import Monitoring System administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under the ITC (HS) 2022 Chapter 48 policy condition, with the import policy status being Free subject to compulsory PIMS registration.

Can one PIMS Registration Number cover multiple bills of entry?

Yes. Multiple bills of entry are permitted under the same Registration Number within the 75-day validity period, provided the imported quantity does not exceed the quantity registered; each bill of entry must cite the Registration Number and expiry date.

Does the SEZ or EOU exemption from PIMS registration apply when goods are cleared to the Domestic Tariff Area?

Only if no processing has occurred and the 8-digit HS code is unchanged at DTA clearance; if processing has changed the HS code to another PIMS-covered tariff line, a fresh PIMS registration is required, per DGFT Policy Circular 41/2015-2020 and DGFT Policy Circular 45/2015-20.

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