Other

Printed maps, charts, atlases and similar geographic publications

PARTNER GOVERNMENT AGENCY CLEARANCE

HSN 4905 90 90 (Other printed maps and hydrographic or similar charts) is governed at the border by a prohibition on obscene printed material 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 applies to standard commercial map and chart imports; the operative control is the absolute prohibition on obscene publications.

What this is

HSN code

4905 90 90

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 (prohibition on obscene printed material)

Customs documentation

Content compliance declaration from importer
Commercial invoice from exporter

Compliance steps

1
Verify that none of the maps, charts, atlases, topographical plans, or globes in the consignment constitute an obscene book, pamphlet, paper, drawing, painting, representation, figure, or article within the meaning of Customs Notification No. 01/1964-CUS. Any such article is absolutely prohibited from import and is liable to confiscation.
Customs Notification No. 01/1964-CUS dated 18-01-1964
2
File the bill of entry with an accurate description of the printed geographic material and its intended use. Where the consignment contains sensitive cartographic content depicting Indian borders or territories, be prepared to demonstrate that the representation conforms to official depictions, as border-misrepresentation in maps is subject to separate scrutiny at assessment.
Customs Notification No. 01/1964-CUS dated 18-01-1964

A word of counsel

The prohibition under Notification No. 01/1964-CUS is absolute and content-based, meaning customs officers may inspect printed material at assessment regardless of commercial intent or country of origin. Importers of academic atlases, nautical charts, and thematic maps should ensure that any artistic or illustrative content accompanying the geographic data does not inadvertently bring the publication within the obscene-material prohibition — a characterisation that triggers confiscation without the option of remediation or re-export on application.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 4905 90 90 require BIS certification?

No, printed maps and hydrographic charts are not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime. The governing border control is the absolute prohibition on obscene printed material under Customs Notification No. 01/1964-CUS dated 18-01-1964, administered by CBIC.

Which specific articles are prohibited from import under this tariff line?

Customs Notification No. 01/1964-CUS prohibits import of any obscene book, pamphlet, paper, drawing, painting, representation, figure, or article; a printed map or chart falling within that characterisation is liable to confiscation at the port of entry.

Are there any PGA licences or NOCs required for standard commercial map imports under this HSN?

No sectoral PGA licence, registration, or NOC is required for standard commercial imports of printed maps, atlases, charts, and globes; the sole operative restriction is the obscene-material prohibition under Notification No. 01/1964-CUS.

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