Machines for sorting or grading

Agricultural produce sorting and grading machines

CBIC CLEARANCE

HSN 8433 60 20 (Machines for sorting or grading) is subject to customs classification policy administered by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) under the Customs Act, 1962. No sectoral Partner Government Agency licence or permit is required at the bill-of-entry stage; the operative compliance obligation is correct tariff classification, particularly the segregation of transmission and power take-off (PTO) shafts from the main machine.

What this is

HSN code

8433 60 20

Chapter

84 · Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof

Primary regulator

CBIC · Customs Act, 1962 — classification policy, Chapter 84

Customs documentation

Bill of entry from CBIC
Technical specification from exporter

Compliance steps

1
Verify that transmission shafts and power take-off (PTO) shafts supplied with or alongside the sorting/grading machine are separately classified under tariff item 8483 10 99 and not merged into the 8433 60 20 bill of entry. Misclassification of PTO shafts under 8433 60 20 constitutes a customs misdeclaration.
CBIC Circular 02/2014-CUS dated 09-01-2014
2
Ensure the technical specification or product brochure from the exporter clearly identifies machine components, distinguishing the sorting/grading unit from ancillary drive components. Upload supporting documentation in e-Sanchit to substantiate the classification declared at the bill of entry.
Customs Act, 1962 — bill of entry documentation requirements

A word of counsel

The single most common error on this tariff line is bundling PTO or transmission shafts in the same invoice line as the sorting machine and declaring the entire consignment under 8433 60 20. CBIC Circular 02/2014-CUS settled the classification of such shafts at 8483 10 99; a composite declaration invites a show-cause notice, reassessment, and potential short-levy demand with interest under the Customs Act, 1962.

Need a regulatory steer on this product?

Speak to a regulatory counsel about your specific HSN, IS, and supplier situation.

Speak to an Expert

Frequently asked

Does HSN 8433 60 20 require BIS certification?

No, no BIS Quality Control Order covers agricultural sorting and grading machines under this tariff line. Import is governed by customs classification policy administered by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs under the Customs Act, 1962.

How should PTO shafts imported with the sorting machine be classified?

Transmission shafts and power take-off shafts are classifiable under tariff item 8483 10 99, not under 8433 60 20, per CBIC Circular 02/2014-CUS dated 09-01-2014; they must be declared on a separate line of the bill of entry.

Are there any licence or permit requirements from a sectoral PGA for this HSN?

No sectoral PGA licence, registration, or permit is required for HSN 8433 60 20; the import is free subject to correct tariff classification and standard customs documentation at the bill of entry.

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