Printed books

Printed books in single sheets, whether or not folded

PARTNER GOVERNMENT AGENCY CLEARANCE

HSN 4901 10 10 (Printed books) is governed at import by a prohibition on obscene printed matter administered by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) under Notification No. 01/1964-CUS dated 18-01-1964. No sectoral Partner Government Agency licence or registration is required for mainstream printed books; the operative control is the absolute prohibition on obscene books, pamphlets, papers, drawings, paintings, representations, figures, or articles.

What this is

HSN code

4901 10 10

Chapter

49 · Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts

Primary regulator

CBIC · Notification No. 01/1964-CUS dated 18-01-1964 (prohibition on obscene printed matter)

Customs documentation

Customs declaration to CBIC
Commercial invoice from exporter

Compliance steps

1
Verify that no item in the consignment constitutes an obscene book, pamphlet, paper, drawing, painting, representation, figure, or article within the meaning of the prohibition. Any such item is subject to outright confiscation and criminal liability at the bill-of-entry stage.
Notification No. 01/1964-CUS dated 18-01-1964
2
File the bill of entry with a complete commercial invoice and packing list accurately describing the content and title of each printed book. Accurate description enables the customs proper officer to assess compliance with the obscenity prohibition before granting out-of-charge.
Notification No. 01/1964-CUS dated 18-01-1964 · Customs Act, 1962

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is underestimating the breadth of the obscenity prohibition: it extends beyond books to any printed representation, figure, or article within the consignment, and a single prohibited item in a mixed shipment renders the entire consignment liable to detention and seizure. Importers carrying mixed-content consignments — including art books, cultural publications, or educational materials with graphic imagery — should obtain a legal opinion on content before shipment, as confiscation under Notification No. 01/1964-CUS does not require criminal prosecution to take effect.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 4901 10 10 require BIS certification?

No, printed books in single sheets are not within any BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs under Notification No. 01/1964-CUS, which prohibits the import of obscene printed matter.

What categories of printed material are prohibited under Notification No. 01/1964-CUS?

The prohibition covers obscene books, pamphlets, papers, drawings, paintings, representations, figures, and articles; the prohibition is absolute and applies at the point of import without any licence or exemption pathway.

Is there a PGA licence or NOC required for non-obscene printed books under this HSN?

No. For printed books that do not fall within the obscenity prohibition, no PGA licence, registration, or NOC is required; the consignment clears on a standard bill of entry with accurate content description.

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