Of an output exceeding 375 kVA but not exceeding 750 kVA

AC generators of output exceeding 375 kVA up to 750 kVA

BIS QCO APPLICABLE · ISI MARK SCHEME · IS 14286 · BEE OVERLAY · CPCB OVERLAY

HSN 8501 63 00 (AC generators of output exceeding 375 kVA but not exceeding 750 kVA) is covered by a Bureau of Indian Standards Quality Control Order. Solar photovoltaic modules with blocking diodes classifiable under this tariff line per Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs Instruction 08/2018-Cus must conform to IS 14286 or IS 16077 under the ISI Mark Scheme with effect from 30 August 2017. Extended Producer Responsibility authorisation and Bureau of Energy Efficiency labelling apply as separate customs-clearance overlays.

What this is

HSN code

8501 63 00

Chapter

85 · Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof

BIS QCO

Applicable · ISI Mark Scheme · CM/L required

Indian Standard

IS 14286 · effective 30-08-2017

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

BEEBEE·Bureau of Energy Efficiency

BISBIS·Bureau of Indian Standards

CPCBCPCB·Central Pollution Control Board

Procedural directions for customs clearance are issued by: Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs.

Compliance steps

1
Verify the foreign supplier's BIS CM/L licence number on the BIS online register against IS 14286 for crystalline-silicon terrestrial PV modules or IS 16077 for thin-film modules. The CM/L must be current and its product scope must cover the specific module type being imported.
Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017 · S.O. 2920(E) dated 30-08-2017 · S.O. 5259(E) dated 12-10-2018
2
Confirm the diode topology of the consignment in writing from the supplier before shipment. Modules with blocking diodes (with or without bypass diodes) are classified under HSN 8501; modules with only bypass diodes fall under HSN 8541. The bill of entry classification must match the module's actual diode configuration.
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs Instruction 08/2018-Cus dated 06-04-2018
3
Ensure every module bears the ISI mark and the supplier's CM/L number per Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. Marking must appear on the product itself and be traceable to the licensed manufacturing facility.
Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017 · S.O. 2920(E) dated 30-08-2017
4
Obtain Extended Producer Responsibility authorisation from the Central Pollution Control Board before import. Micro enterprises as defined under the MSMED Act, 2006 are exempt. Quote the EPR authorisation number on the bill of entry alongside the BIS CM/L number.
Schedule I of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 · G.S.R. 801(E) dated 02-11-2022
5
Ensure compliance with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (Appliance Labelling and Compliance) Regulations, 2026 for equipment within the BEE labelling scope. Carry the BEE compliance reference in consignment-level documentation submitted at customs.
BEE Notification 5506/BEE/S&L/AL/2025-26 dated 26-12-2025

A word of counsel

The single most consequential error on this tariff line is misidentifying the diode topology and landing a consignment of bypass-diode-only modules under HSN 8501 when the correct classification is HSN 8541. Customs verifies diode configuration against the supplier's technical data sheet at port; a misdeclaration forces reclassification, triggers retrospective duty adjustment, and restarts the BIS CM/L verification cycle on the corrected tariff line — at the importer's demurrage and ground-rent cost. Obtain and retain the supplier's written diode-configuration declaration before the purchase order is placed.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8501 63 00 require BIS certification?

Yes. Solar photovoltaic modules with blocking diodes classified under this tariff line require Bureau of Indian Standards CM/L licensing under the ISI Mark Scheme against IS 14286 (crystalline-silicon) or IS 16077 (thin-film), with effect from 30 August 2017.

Is Extended Producer Responsibility authorisation required separately from BIS QCO compliance?

Yes. EPR authorisation is administered by the Central Pollution Control Board under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 and is independent of the BIS ISI Mark Scheme obligation. Micro enterprises registered under the MSMED Act, 2006 are exempt from the EPR requirement.

Why are solar photovoltaic modules classified under HSN 8501 rather than HSN 8541?

Per Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs Instruction 08/2018-Cus, modules equipped with blocking diodes — whether or not also carrying bypass diodes — are classified under HSN 8501. Only modules with exclusively bypass diodes fall under HSN 8541.

Does a single CM/L licence cover all module variants and manufacturing facilities of the same supplier?

No. A CM/L licence is scope-specific to the module type, specification, and licensed manufacturing facility. Variants or production facilities outside the licensed scope are not covered and customs detains the consignment on a scope mismatch.

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