Cartridges or toners, with print head assembly

Printer cartridges and toners with print head assembly

CPCB CLEARANCE

HSN 8443 99 51 (Cartridges or toners, with print head assembly) is subject to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) authorisation under Schedule I of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, notified vide G.S.R. 801(E) dated 02-11-2022. EPR authorisation must be in place at the bill-of-entry stage for importers bringing in printer cartridges as parts, consumables, or spares.

What this is

HSN code

8443 99 51

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
MSME micro-enterprise certificate from MSME Ministry

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

CPCBCPCB·Central Pollution Control Board

Compliance steps

1
Obtain Extended Producer Responsibility authorisation from the Central Pollution Control Board before filing the bill of entry. Cartridges and toners with print head assembly fall within Schedule I of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, and import without a current EPR authorisation is a violation of those Rules.
Schedule I of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 · G.S.R. 801(E) dated 02-11-2022
2
If the importing entity qualifies as a micro-enterprise under the MSME Development Act, 2006, retain documentary proof of that status; EPR authorisation does not apply to such entities and customs may seek evidence of the exemption during clearance.
E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 · MSME Development Act, 2006

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming that EPR applies only to finished electronic equipment rather than to consumable parts such as cartridges. Schedule I of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 explicitly covers parts, consumables, and spares of printers, and an importer without a current CPCB EPR authorisation faces consignment detention at the port of entry. The micro-enterprise exemption is narrow — confirm turnover and investment thresholds under the MSME Development Act, 2006 before relying on it.

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 8443 99 51 require BIS certification?

No, no BIS Quality Control Order covers printer cartridges or toners with print head assembly. Import compliance for this tariff line is governed by the Central Pollution Control Board's Extended Producer Responsibility framework under Schedule I of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022.

Does EPR authorisation apply to all importers of this HSN, or are there exemptions?

EPR authorisation is required for all importers except micro-enterprises as defined under the MSME Development Act, 2006; such entities are explicitly carved out under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022.

What happens if an importer files a bill of entry for HSN 8443 99 51 without a valid CPCB EPR authorisation?

The consignment is liable to detention at the port of entry pending production of the EPR authorisation; prolonged detention accrues demurrage and ground rent, and continued non-compliance may attract enforcement action under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022.

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