Personal computer
Portable personal computers weighing not more than 10 kg (laptops, notebooks, tablets, all-in-one PCs)
HSN 8471 30 10 (portable personal computers) is covered by a Bureau of Indian Standards Quality Control Order under the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021. Conformity to IS/IEC 62368 (Part 1):2023 is mandatory under the ISI Mark Scheme with effect from 18 March 2021; IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 and IS 616:2017 run concurrently until 01 November 2028. Import of laptops, tablets, all-in-one PCs, ultra-small form factor computers, and servers under HSN 8471 is restricted and requires a valid Import Management System authorisation; Extended Producer Responsibility authorisation, Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing licensing, and Bureau of Energy Efficiency labelling apply as separate customs-clearance overlays.
Procedural directions for customs clearance are issued by: Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
- 1Source only from a Bureau of Indian Standards CM/L-licensed manufacturer holding a current licence against IS/IEC 62368 (Part 1):2023, IS 13252 (Part 1):2010, or IS 616:2017 (concurrent running permitted until 01-11-2028). Verify the CM/L number, product scope, and licensed facility on the BIS online register before placing the purchase order.Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 · S.O. 1248(E) dated 18-03-2021 · S.O. 4997(E) dated 29-10-2025
- 2Ensure every unit bears the ISI mark and the supplier's CM/L number. The mark must appear on the product itself; marking only on packaging is not compliant under the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 · Scheme-I marking requirements
- 3Obtain a valid Import Management System authorisation before shipment. Import of laptops, tablets, all-in-one PCs, ultra-small form factor computers, and servers under HSN 8471 is restricted; desktop computers under CTH 8471 are not covered by this restriction.DGFT Notification 23/2023 dated 03-08-2023 · DGFT Notification 26/2023 dated 04-08-2023 · DGFT Notification 38/2023 dated 19-10-2023 · DGFT Policy Circular 09/23-24 dated 12-01-2024
- 4Verify Extended Producer Responsibility authorisation from the Central Pollution Control Board covering PCs, laptops, notebooks, tablets, and phablets. MSMED-registered micro enterprises are exempt. Quote the EPR authorisation number on the bill of entry.Schedule I of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 · G.S.R. 801(E) dated 02-11-2022
- 5Where the consignment includes wireless-enabled equipment, obtain the applicable Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing import licence or submit an Equipment Type Approval through the self-declaration portal at saralsanchar.gov.in for licence-exempt low-power bands. Quote the WPC reference on the bill of entry alongside the BIS CM/L number and the IMS authorisation.CBIC Instruction 16/22-Cus dated 21-07-2022 · CBIC Instruction 24/24-Cus dated 22-10-2024 · DoT Letter ETA-WPC/Policy/2018-19 dated 12-04-2019
The single most consequential error on this tariff line is treating the Import Management System authorisation as the headline obligation while failing to verify that the BIS CM/L licence on the bill of entry covers the specific laptop or tablet model — not merely the product family. Customs performs real-time CM/L model-scope verification at port; a CM/L that is current on the register but does not extend to the imported model triggers detention, demurrage, and ground rent irrespective of a valid IMS authorisation. Confirm model-level licence coverage with the foreign supplier in writing before the purchase order, not at the port of discharge.