Weighing not more than 25 g/m2

Lightweight nonwovens weighing not more than 25 g/m2

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 5603 91 00 (Nonwovens weighing not more than 25 g/m²) is subject to the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), which requires a Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate (PSIC) covering the absence of prohibited hazardous azo dyes under General Note 10 of the ITC (HS) Schedule. The PSIC must originate from an accredited laboratory of the exporting country or a valid test report from the Textile Committee or CSRTI.

What this is

HSN code

5603 91 00

Chapter

56 · Wadding, felt and nonwovens; special yarns; twine, cordage, ropes and cables

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) import policy, General Note 10 (hazardous dyes), Chapter 56

Customs documentation

Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate from accredited lab
Test report from Textile Committee or CSRTI
ITC (HS) policy compliance from DGFT

Compliance steps

1
Obtain a Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate from an accredited laboratory of the exporting country, or a valid test report from the Textile Committee (TC) or Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (CSRTI), certifying the absence of prohibited hazardous azo dyes. This document must accompany the bill of entry for all origins not listed as exempt.
General Note 10 of the ITC (HS) Import Policy · DGFT Public Notice 14/2023 dated 14-06-2023
2
Verify whether the country of origin qualifies for the azo-dye testing exemption. Imports from the EU, Serbia, Poland, Denmark, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom are exempt from azo-dye testing; all other origins must present the PSIC or valid test report before customs out-of-charge.
General Note 10 of the ITC (HS) Import Policy · DGFT Public Notice 14/2023 dated 14-06-2023

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming that the azo-dye testing exemption for listed countries waives the PSIC requirement altogether. The exemption covers only the azo-dye testing parameter; where the PSIC template addresses additional prohibited substances or composition parameters, those remain required regardless of origin. A consignment from a non-exempt country arriving without a valid PSIC is liable to detention at the port of entry pending compliance, with demurrage and ground rent accruing against the importer.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 5603 91 00 require BIS certification?

No, nonwovens under this tariff line fall outside the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by the ITC (HS) policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, principally through the General Note 10 Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate requirement covering prohibited hazardous dyes.

Which countries are exempt from azo-dye testing for this HSN?

Per DGFT Public Notice 14/2023 dated 14-06-2023, imports from the EU, Serbia, Poland, Denmark, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom only are exempt from azo-dye testing; all other exporting countries must provide the PSIC or a valid TC or CSRTI test report.

What happens if the PSIC is missing at the bill of entry for a non-exempt origin?

The consignment is liable to detention at the port of entry under General Note 10 of the ITC (HS) policy until a compliant PSIC or test report is produced, with demurrage and ground rent accruing; persistent non-compliance may result in re-export or confiscation under DGFT enforcement.

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