Other

Paper stationery registers, notebooks, diaries and similar articles

PIMS CLEARANCE

HSN 4820 10 90 (Other registers, notebooks, diaries and similar paper stationery) 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, but a PIMS Registration Number must be obtained and entered on the bill of entry before customs clearance is granted.

What this is

HSN code

4820 10 90

Chapter

48 · Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp

Primary regulator

PIMS · ITC (HS) 2022 Chapter 48 policy condition, DGFT Notification 11/2015-2020

Customs documentation

PIMS Registration Number from DGFT
Bill of Entry with PIMS 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 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 to obtain the automatic Registration Number, which is valid for 75 days from the date of grant.
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 on the bill of entry at the time of filing. Multiple bills of entry are permitted against a single Registration Number within the validity period for the permitted quantity; failure to enter the Registration Number prevents customs out-of-charge.
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. No further PIMS registration is required for subsequent DTA clearance unless processing has occurred that changes the 8-digit HS code to another 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 close to the shipment's arrival date. The registration window closes on the 5th day before expected arrival — a consignment that docks before the Registration Number is obtained cannot be cleared until a valid registration is produced, and the 75-day validity clock begins at grant, not at arrival. An expired Registration Number on the bill of entry triggers detention and cannot be rectified retroactively.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 4820 10 90 require BIS certification?

No, paper stationery articles under this tariff line fall 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 DGFT Notification 11/2015-2020, with import policy classified as Free subject to compulsory PIMS registration.

What is the validity period of a PIMS Registration Number 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 against the same Registration Number within the validity period, provided the total quantity does not exceed the permitted quantity registered.

Is PIMS registration required when a DTA unit clears paper goods from an SEZ or EOU?

Not if the item was already registered under PIMS at the time of entry into the SEZ or EOU and no processing has occurred. If processing has taken place causing an 8-digit HS code change to another PIMS-covered tariff line, the DTA importer must obtain fresh PIMS registration per DGFT Policy Circular 41/2015-2020.

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