Calculating machine paper in rolls and strips not exceeding 15 cm in width

Calculating machine paper rolls and strips, narrow width

PIMS CLEARANCE

HSN 4816 90 20 (Calculating machine paper in rolls and strips not exceeding 15 cm in width) 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. The import policy is Free, but clearance requires a valid PIMS Registration Number entered on the bill of entry before customs out-of-charge.

What this is

HSN code

4816 90 20

Chapter

48 · Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp

Primary regulator

PIMS · ITC (HS) Free policy with compulsory PIMS registration, Chapter 48

Customs documentation

PIMS Registration Number from DGFT
Bill of Entry declaration to CBIC
Registration expiry date on bill of entry

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 a PIMS Registration Number at https://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 ₹500. The automatic Registration Number is valid for 75 days, and multiple bills of entry for the permitted quantity may be filed against the same registration within the 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 at the time of filing. Customs clearance will not proceed without these details; consignments filed without a valid Registration Number are liable to detention pending regularisation.
DGFT Notification 11/2015-2020 dated 25-05-2022 · DGFT Policy Circular 41/2015-2020 dated 05-07-2022
3
If importing as an SEZ, FTWZ, or EOU unit, obtain PIMS registration at the point of import into the zone. A DTA unit taking clearance from an SEZ/FTWZ/EOU requires a fresh PIMS registration only where processing in the zone has resulted in a change of 8-digit HS code to a tariff line covered under PIMS.
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 PIMS registration too late — submitting the application after the 5-day cutoff before expected arrival renders the consignment ineligible for an automatic Registration Number before the bill of entry is filed, triggering detention and demurrage at port. The 75-day validity window also catches importers who register early for a consignment that is subsequently delayed beyond the window; a lapsed Registration Number requires a fresh application and fee payment before any further bill of entry can be filed against it.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 4816 90 20 require BIS certification?

No, calculating machine paper rolls are 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 the ITC (HS) 2022 Chapter 48 policy condition, with compulsory advance registration before consignment arrival.

How long is a PIMS Registration Number valid, and can multiple shipments use the same number?

The Registration Number is valid for 75 days from grant, and multiple bills of entry may be filed against the same registration within that validity period for the permitted quantity, per DGFT Notification 11/2015-2020 dated 25-05-2022.

Does an EOU or SEZ unit need to register under PIMS for this tariff line?

Yes — PIMS registration is required at the point of import into an SEZ, FTWZ, or EOU. A DTA unit subsequently clearing the goods from the zone without processing (and with no 8-digit HS code change) does not need a separate registration, per DGFT Policy Circular 41/2015-2020 dated 05-07-2022.

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