HSNS Rules · Rule 19
Rule 19 — Maintenance of records
Checked 27 Jul 2026Current rule package
Rule in 2 Minutes
Rule 19 implements the HSNS Cess Act within the 2026 machine/process-based levy framework.
Current official text / amendment package
19. Maintenance of records- (1)Every registered person shall keep and maintain, in addition to the particulars
mentioned in sub-section (2) of section 14, the following records and documents at the factory where the manufacture
of specified goods is carried out, namely:-
(a) purchase invoices, bills of entry, or delivery challans in respect of all packing machines installed in the
factory;
(b) lease agreements or rent deeds where machines are obtained on lease or hire;
(c) records of any modification, repair or alteration made to the machines that may impact their packing
speed or capacity;
(d) electricity bills issued by the distribution company;
(e) record of receipts and consumption of principal raw materials and packing materials;
(f) record of the daily production, clearance and closing stock of specified goods;
(g) record of the generation and disposal of waste or scrap laminates;
(h) balance sheet and profit and loss account for each financial year; and
(i) bank statements reflecting payments for machine procurement.
(2) All the records and documents under sub-rule (1) shall be retained for a period of twenty-four months from the end
of the financial year to which such records or documents pertain:
Provided that where an appeal, revision, or any other proceeding is pending before any Appellate Authority,
Tribunal, or Court, the records of the subject matter of such proceeding shall be retained for a period of one year after
the final disposal of such proceeding or for the period specified above, whichever is later.
CHAPTER VIII
COMPOUNDING OF OFFENCES
Practical implementation
- Identify the enabling HSNS Act section and factual trigger.
- Use the prescribed HSNS form/portal workflow where the Rule requires it.
- Retain machine/process, declaration, payment, return or officer evidence relevant to the Rule.
- Check First/Second Amendment Rules for the current wording before using a principal-rule copy.
Practical Q&A
Can Rule 19 be applied without the Act?
No. The Rule operates under section 35 and the relevant enabling provisions of the HSNS Act; the Act controls if there is any inconsistency.