Labels

Printed paper or paperboard labels, PIMS-registered

PIMS CLEARANCE

HSN 4821 10 20 (Printed paper or paperboard labels) is classified as Free under the ITC (HS) import policy but is subject to compulsory advance registration under the Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS), administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), pursuant to 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 by paying a registration fee of ₹500, and must declare the Registration Number and its expiry date on the bill of entry for customs clearance.

What this is

HSN code

4821 10 20

Chapter

48 · Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp

Primary regulator

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

Customs documentation

PIMS Registration Number from DGFT
Registration expiry declaration to CBIC
Bill of entry with PIMS details

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 imports.gov.in no earlier than 75 days and no later than 5 days before the expected date of arrival of the consignment. Pay the registration fee of ₹500 to obtain the automatic Registration Number, which is valid for 75 days and permits multiple bills of entry within that validity period for the permitted quantity.
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 before filing. Customs will not grant out-of-charge if the Registration Number is absent or expired; consignments arriving without a valid PIMS registration are liable to detention.
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 clearing goods from an SEZ/FTWZ/EOU does not require fresh PIMS registration provided no processing has occurred; however, where processing in the zone results in a change of 8-digit HS code to a PIMS-covered tariff line, the DTA importer must register separately.
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 misunderstanding the 75-day registration window: importers who apply too early find that the 75-day validity lapses before the vessel arrives, leaving them with an expired Registration Number at the bill-of-entry stage and a detained consignment accruing demurrage. Plan the application date against the confirmed estimated time of arrival, and where multiple shipments share one registration, ensure all bills of entry are filed within the validity period for the permitted quantity.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 4821 10 20 require BIS certification?

No; no BIS Quality Control Order covers printed paper or paperboard labels. Import is governed by the compulsory PIMS registration requirement under the ITC (HS) 2022 Chapter 48 policy condition administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, pursuant to DGFT Notification 11/2015-2020 dated 25-05-2022.

How long does the PIMS Registration Number remain 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 against the same registration number within the validity period, provided they do not exceed the permitted quantity registered.

Is there any DRI alert specific to this tariff line that customs officers may act on?

Yes. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence issued Circular 34/13-CI dated 20-12-2013 flagging attempts to smuggle fake wine labels under this tariff line; consignments of printed labels may attract enhanced scrutiny at the bill-of-entry stage as a result.

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