Flexographic printing machinery

Flexographic printing machinery (industrial flexo printers)

CPCB CLEARANCE

HSN 8443 16 00 (Flexographic printing machinery) is subject to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) authorisation under Schedule I of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, notified via G.S.R. 801(E) dated 02-11-2022. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) applies a Restricted-import condition under Para 2.31 of the Foreign Trade Policy for second-hand capital goods in this category. EPR authorisation is not required for micro-enterprises as defined under the MSME Development Act, 2006.

What this is

HSN code

8443 16 00

Chapter

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

Primary regulator

CPCB · E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 — Schedule I EPR authorisation

Customs documentation

EPR authorisation from CPCB
Import Licence from DGFT
Second-hand goods declaration to CBIC

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

CPCBCPCB·Central Pollution Control Board

Compliance steps

1
Obtain EPR authorisation from the Central Pollution Control Board before filing the bill of entry. The authorisation is required for importers of printers including cartridges listed under Schedule I of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022; it is mandatory unless the importer qualifies as a micro-enterprise under the MSME Development Act, 2006.
Schedule I of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 · G.S.R. 801(E) dated 02-11-2022
2
If importing second-hand flexographic printing machinery, obtain a DGFT import licence prior to shipment. Second-hand capital goods in this product category are classified as Restricted under Para 2.31 of the Foreign Trade Policy, and arrival without the licence will result in consignment detention.
Para 2.31 of the Foreign Trade Policy · ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is importing new flexographic printing machinery without EPR authorisation on the assumption that EPR obligations arise only post-sale domestically. CPCB's E-Waste Rules treat the import act itself as the trigger for EPR authorisation; a bill of entry filed without a valid CPCB EPR registration is liable to detention and monetary penalty under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Micro-enterprise status under the MSME Development Act, 2006 must be documented at the time of entry to claim the exemption — a post-clearance assertion is not accepted.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8443 16 00 require BIS certification?

No, flexographic printing machinery is not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. Import is governed by the Central Pollution Control Board EPR authorisation regime under Schedule I of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, with a DGFT Restricted-import overlay for second-hand capital goods under Para 2.31 of the Foreign Trade Policy.

Does the EPR authorisation requirement apply to all importers of flexographic printing machinery?

No. EPR authorisation under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 does not apply to micro-enterprises as defined in the MSME Development Act, 2006; all other importers must hold a current CPCB EPR authorisation before the bill of entry is filed.

Is there any restriction on importing used or second-hand flexographic printing machinery?

Yes. Second-hand capital goods in this category are Restricted under Para 2.31 of the Foreign Trade Policy, requiring a DGFT import licence before shipment; new machinery is not subject to this restriction but remains subject to the CPCB EPR authorisation requirement.

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