Globe

Printed globes, geographical representations

PARTNER GOVERNMENT AGENCY CLEARANCE

HSN 4905 90 20 (Globe) is subject to the absolute import prohibition on obscene printed matter administered by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) under Customs Notification No. 01/1964-CUS dated 18-01-1964. No sectoral Partner Government Agency licence or registration is required for standard printed globes; the operative control is the prohibition against obscene books, pamphlets, drawings, paintings, representations, figures, or articles at the bill of entry.

What this is

HSN code

4905 90 20

Chapter

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

Primary regulator

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

Customs documentation

Bill of entry from CBIC
Content compliance declaration from importer

Compliance steps

1
Confirm that the printed globe does not contain any obscene book, pamphlet, paper, drawing, painting, representation, figure, or article as defined under the prohibition. Import of any such obscene article is absolutely prohibited under Customs Notification No. 01/1964-CUS dated 18-01-1964.
Customs Notification No. 01/1964-CUS dated 18-01-1964
2
File the bill of entry in the ordinary course; no PGA-issued licence, NOC, or e-Sanchit document upload is mandated for standard printed globes. The examining customs officer retains authority to detain and confiscate any consignment that falls within the prohibited-obscene-matter category.
Customs Notification No. 01/1964-CUS dated 18-01-1964

A word of counsel

The prohibition under Notification No. 01/1964-CUS is a blanket absolute prohibition, not a conditional or licensable one — no permit exists that authorises importation of obscene printed matter. For printed globes carrying decorative artwork, pictorial legends, or illustrated insets, the importer bears the burden of satisfying the customs officer at examination that no representation falls within the prohibited category; a detention pending content review accrues demurrage and ground rent from the date of arrival, with no PGA-clearance route available to secure release.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 4905 90 20 require BIS certification?

No, printed globes are not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime. The operative control at the bill of entry is the absolute prohibition on obscene printed matter under Customs Notification No. 01/1964-CUS dated 18-01-1964, administered by CBIC.

Is there a licence or PGA clearance that permits import of otherwise prohibited printed matter under this tariff line?

No. The prohibition under Notification No. 01/1964-CUS is absolute; there is no licensing window or competent authority empowered to grant an exemption for obscene books, drawings, representations, or figures.

What enforcement outcome applies if a consignment of printed globes is found to contain prohibited obscene material?

The consignment is liable to outright confiscation under the Customs Act, 1962; re-export is at the discretion of the proper officer, and the importer faces monetary penalty and potential criminal liability under the applicable provisions.

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