Proof presses

Proof presses for offset and letterpress printing

CPCB CLEARANCE

HSN 8443 19 30 (Proof presses) is subject to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) authorisation under Schedule I of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 (G.S.R. 801(E) dated 02-11-2022). The EPR obligation applies to producers, importers, and brand owners, though it does not apply to micro-enterprises as defined under the MSME Development Act, 2006. Import of second-hand capital goods in this category is Restricted under Para 2.31 of the Foreign Trade Policy, administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.

What this is

HSN code

8443 19 30

Chapter

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

Primary regulator

CPCB · E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 (G.S.R. 801(E))

Customs documentation

EPR authorisation from CPCB
Second-hand import licence from DGFT
MSME micro-enterprise certificate from MSME

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. Printers including cartridges are listed in Schedule I of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022; the authorisation must be current and uploaded in e-Sanchit. Micro-enterprises as defined under the MSME Development Act, 2006 are exempt from this EPR requirement.
Schedule I of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 · G.S.R. 801(E) dated 02-11-2022
2
If importing a second-hand proof press or associated capital good (including photocopier or digital multifunction print and copying machine), obtain the applicable DGFT licence before shipment. Second-hand capital goods in this category are Restricted under Para 2.31 of the Foreign Trade Policy and cannot be cleared without prior authorisation.
Para 2.31 of the Foreign Trade Policy

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming that EPR authorisation is a post-import administrative formality rather than a bill-of-entry prerequisite. CPCB authorisation must be in force at the time of import; consignments presented without a valid EPR authorisation are liable to detention and demurrage while the importer pursues retrospective authorisation, which CPCB does not routinely grant. Importers who qualify as micro-enterprises under the MSME Development Act, 2006 should retain documentary proof of that status for customs verification.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8443 19 30 require BIS certification?

No, proof presses are not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. Import is governed by Central Pollution Control Board EPR authorisation under Schedule I of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, with a 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 proof presses?

No. The EPR obligation 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 at the bill-of-entry stage.

Can a second-hand proof press be imported freely?

No. Second-hand capital goods including printing and copying machinery are Restricted under Para 2.31 of the Foreign Trade Policy, and a DGFT licence must be obtained before the consignment is shipped; clearance without it attracts re-export or confiscation.

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