Head stack

Head stack for automatic data processing machines

CPCB CLEARANCE

HSN 8473 30 40 (Head stack) is subject to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) authorisation under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, applicable to importers of parts and accessories of mainframes, minicomputers, and personal computers listed in Schedule I. Department of Telecommunications mandatory type-approval under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) scheme applies as an additional overlay where the component is notified as a telecom product.

What this is

HSN code

8473 30 40

Chapter

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

Primary regulator

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

Customs documentation

EPR authorisation from CPCB
MTCTE type-approval certificate from DoT
ITC (HS) compliance declaration from DGFT

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. EPR authorisation is required for importers of parts and accessories of mainframes, minicomputers, personal computers, laptops, notebooks, tablets, phablets, and notepad computers listed in Schedule I of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. Micro-enterprises as defined under the MSME Development Act, 2006 are exempt.
E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, Schedule I · G.S.R. 801(E) dated 02-11-2022
2
Verify whether the head stack falls within the list of telecom products notified under the MTCTE mandatory certification scheme. If notified, obtain the mandatory type-approval certificate from the Department of Telecommunications in compliance with the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017 and DoT Notifications TEC/01/2017-TC dated 04-07-2019 and 23-06-2020, as amended vide F.No.5-2/2021-TC/TEC/131 dated 13-06-2022 and F.No.5-2/2024-TC/TEC (Pt.1) dated 25-02-2025.
Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017 · DoT Notification F.No.5-2/2024-TC/TEC (Pt.1) dated 25-02-2025
3
Note that import of second-hand capital goods such as photocopier machines and digital multifunction print and copying machines is Restricted under Para 2.31 of the Foreign Trade Policy. Confirm whether the head stack being imported is a component of such restricted second-hand capital goods, as that status attracts the Restricted-import policy condition.
Para 2.31 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP)

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is filing the bill of entry with an EPR authorisation that covers the importer's own brand but not the specific equipment category matching the head stack's end-use. Schedule I of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 categorises equipment by type; an authorisation obtained for personal computers does not extend to minicomputers or mainframe parts unless those categories are expressly listed in the CPCB authorisation. Verify the authorisation scope against the Schedule I category before the consignment departs the origin country.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8473 30 40 require BIS certification?

No, head stacks classified under this tariff line are not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. Import is governed by CPCB Extended Producer Responsibility authorisation under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, with a DoT MTCTE overlay where the component is notified as a telecom product.

Does the EPR authorisation requirement apply to all importers of head stacks, including small businesses?

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 of Schedule I parts and accessories must hold a current CPCB authorisation at the bill-of-entry stage.

When does the MTCTE mandatory certification requirement apply to a head stack import?

MTCTE certification is required only if the specific product is listed in the DoT notifications under the MTCTE scheme, as last amended vide F.No.5-2/2024-TC/TEC (Pt.1) dated 25-02-2025; head stacks used solely as mechanical ADP machine parts and not as telecom equipment components fall outside the notified list.

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