Other

Gauze fabrics other than narrow fabrics (woven, non-medical)

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 5803 00 19 (Other gauze fabrics) 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) confirming the absence of prohibited hazardous azo dyes under General Note 10 of the ITC (HS) policy. The PSIC must originate from an accredited laboratory of the exporting country or carry a valid test report from the Textile Committee or CSRTI.

What this is

HSN code

5803 00 19

Chapter

58 · Special woven fabrics; tufted textile fabrics; lace; tapestries

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) import policy, General Note 10, Chapter 58

Customs documentation

Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate from accredited lab
Test report from Textile Committee or CSRTI
Azo-dye exemption declaration 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 the Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (CSRTI), certifying the absence of prohibited hazardous azo dyes before shipment.
General Note 10 of the ITC (HS) Import Policy · DGFT Public Notice 14/2023 dated 14-06-2023
2
If the consignment originates from the EU, Serbia, Poland, Denmark, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, or the United Kingdom, azo-dye testing is exempted; ensure the origin documentation clearly establishes country of manufacture to claim this exemption at the bill of entry.
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 conflating country of export with country of manufacture: the azo-dye testing exemption applies to the country of origin, not merely the country from which the consignment is shipped. A consignment manufactured in a non-exempt country but transshipped through an exempt jurisdiction does not qualify, and presenting a PSIC from an unaccredited laboratory — or none at all — will result in consignment detention pending re-inspection at the importer's cost.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 5803 00 19 require BIS certification?

No, gauze fabrics under this tariff line are not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. Import compliance is governed by the ITC (HS) policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, with a Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate requirement for azo-dye absence under General Note 10.

Which laboratories are acceptable for the Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate?

The PSIC must come from an accredited laboratory of the exporting country, or alternatively a valid test report issued by the Textile Committee or CSRTI is accepted, as specified under DGFT Public Notice 14/2023 dated 14-06-2023.

What happens if a consignment from a non-exempt country arrives without a PSIC?

Absence of a valid PSIC for azo-dye compliance is treated as a General Note 10 violation, exposing the consignment to detention at the port of import and potential re-export or destruction if re-inspection confirms the presence of prohibited dyes.

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