Large or main frame computer

Large and mainframe automatic data processing computers

BIS QCO APPLICABLE · CRS SCHEME · IS 62368-1 · BEE OVERLAY · WPC OVERLAY

HSN 8471 41 20 (large or mainframe computers) is covered by a Bureau of Indian Standards Quality Control Order under the Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021. Conformity to IS/IEC 62368 (Part 1):2023 is mandatory under the Compulsory Registration Scheme with effect from 18 March 2021, as notified under S.O. 1248(E) and amended by S.O. 4997(E). Extended Producer Responsibility authorisation, Bureau of Energy Efficiency labelling, Wireless Planning and Coordination import licensing, and DGFT Import Management System authorisation apply as separate customs-clearance overlays.

What this is

HSN code

8471 41 20

Chapter

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

BIS QCO

Applicable · Compulsory Registration Scheme · R-number required

Indian Standard

IS/IEC 62368 (Part 1) · effective 18-03-2021

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

BISBIS·Bureau of Indian Standards

BEEBEE·Bureau of Energy Efficiency

WPCWPC·Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing

Procedural directions for customs clearance are issued by: Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Directorate General of Foreign Trade.

Compliance steps

1
Verify the foreign manufacturer's BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme R-number on the BIS portal against IS/IEC 62368 (Part 1):2023 before placing the purchase order. Confirm the R-number covers the specific mainframe model and manufacturing facility.
Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 · S.O. 1248(E) dated 18-03-2021 · S.O. 4997(E) dated 29-10-2025
2
Confirm the applicable IS standard version: IS/IEC 62368 (Part 1):2023 is the primary standard. Concurrent running of IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 and IS 616:2017 alongside IS/IEC 62368 (Part 1):2023 is permitted until 01-11-2028 for goods other than those at Serial No. 65; after that date IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 and IS 616:2017 stand withdrawn.
Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 · S.O. 4997(E) dated 29-10-2025 · General Note 2(C) of the Import Policy
3
Obtain a valid DGFT Import Management System authorisation under the Import Restriction Policy (Policy Condition 4, Para I to VIII, effective 01-11-2023). Large or mainframe computers under HSN 8471 41 20 are not among the five restricted categories (laptops, tablets, all-in-one PCs, ultra-small form factor computers, and servers); confirm applicability before each shipment.
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 9/2023-24 dated 12-01-2024
4
If the consignment contains wireless components, obtain Wireless Planning and Coordination import licensing or an Equipment Type Approval. Licence-exempt wireless equipment may be cleared by submitting an ETA certificate generated through saralsanchar.gov.in via self-declaration.
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
5
Obtain Extended Producer Responsibility authorisation from the Central Pollution Control Board before import. MSMED-registered micro enterprises are exempt. Quote the BIS R-number, EPR authorisation number, and BEE labelling reference on the bill of entry; customs verifies each against the issuing portal independently.
Schedule I of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 · G.S.R. 801(E) dated 02-11-2022 · BEE Notification 5506/BEE/S&L/AL/2025-26 dated 26-12-2025

A word of counsel

The single most common error on this tariff line is assuming the DGFT Import Management System restriction that applies to laptops, tablets, all-in-one PCs, ultra-small form factor computers, and servers also extends to large and mainframe computers — it does not, per DGFT Policy Circular 9/2023-24. However, the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme obligation under IS/IEC 62368 (Part 1):2023 applies to all ADP machines under HSN 8471 without exception; importers who clear the IMS question and then overlook the R-number verification face consignment detention at port regardless of any DGFT authorisation they may or may not hold.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8471 41 20 require BIS certification?

Yes. Large and mainframe computers are ADP machines covered by the Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021. Conformity to IS/IEC 62368 (Part 1):2023 is mandatory under the Compulsory Registration Scheme; import is permitted only from manufacturers holding a current BIS R-number for the relevant model.

Are large or mainframe computers subject to the DGFT Import Management System restriction on IT hardware?

No. Per DGFT Policy Circular 9/2023-24, the import restriction under Policy Condition 4 applies only to laptops, tablets, all-in-one PCs, ultra-small form factor computers, and servers under HSN 8471. Desktop computers and mainframes are explicitly excluded.

Which IS standard applies during the concurrent running window?

IS/IEC 62368 (Part 1):2023 is the primary standard. IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 and IS 616:2017 may be used concurrently until 01-11-2028 for goods other than those at Serial No. 65 of the QCO schedule; both legacy standards are withdrawn after that date per S.O. 4997(E) dated 29-10-2025.

Does a single Compulsory Registration Scheme R-number cover all mainframe configurations from the same manufacturer?

No. The R-number is model-specific; mainframe configurations or variants outside the registered model code are not covered, and customs detains the consignment on a model-code mismatch with the BIS register.

Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-18. Source: BIS / BEE / WPC / DGFT / CBIC / Indian Customs CUSDATA.