Of an output exceeding 15,000 kVA but not exceeding 37,500 kVA

AC generators (alternators) exceeding 15,000 kVA up to 37,500 kVA

BIS QCO APPLICABLE · CRS SCHEME · IS 14286 · BEE OVERLAY · CPCB OVERLAY

HSN 8501 64 40 (AC generators exceeding 15,000 kVA but not exceeding 37,500 kVA) is covered by a Bureau of Indian Standards Quality Control Order. Solar photovoltaic modules with blocking diodes classified at this tariff line require BIS registration under the Compulsory Registration Scheme against IS 14286 or IS 16077, with effect from 30 August 2017. Extended Producer Responsibility authorisation and Bureau of Energy Efficiency labelling compliance apply as separate customs-clearance overlays.

What this is

HSN code

8501 64 40

Chapter

85 · Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof

BIS QCO

Applicable · Compulsory Registration Scheme · R-number 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 Compulsory Registration Scheme R-number on the BIS portal against IS 14286 for crystalline-silicon PV modules or IS 16077 for thin-film PV modules (A-Si, CIGS and CdTe). The R-number must be model-specific and current on the shipping bill date.
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 with the supplier. Modules equipped with blocking diodes (or both blocking and bypass diodes) are classifiable under HSN 8501; modules with only bypass diodes fall under HSN 8541. The bill of entry must reflect the actual diode configuration.
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs Instruction 08/2018-Cus dated 06-04-2018
3
Obtain Extended Producer Responsibility authorisation from the Central Pollution Control Board before import. Micro enterprises as defined in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006 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
4
Ensure compliance with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (Appliance Labelling and Compliance) Regulations, 2026 for equipment falling within the notified labelling scope. The BEE labelling reference must accompany consignment-level documentation at the time of customs filing.
BEE Notification 5506/BEE/S&L/AL/2025-26 dated 26-12-2025
5
Quote the BIS R-number, CPCB EPR authorisation number, and BEE labelling reference on the bill of entry. Customs verifies each against the issuing portal; any absent, expired, or scope-mismatched credential triggers consignment detention.
Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017 · BIS Act, 2016 · Customs Act, 1962

A word of counsel

The most consequential error on this tariff line is importing large-output solar PV modules under HSN 8501 64 40 without recognising that the BIS R-number is model-specific — a registration issued for one module wattage or cell technology does not extend to a variant with different electrical characteristics, even from the same manufacturer and facility. At this output band (exceeding 15,000 kVA), consignments are high-value; a model-code mismatch detected at port triggers detention, demurrage, and a full fresh registration cycle before clearance is possible.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8501 64 40 require BIS certification?

Yes. Solar photovoltaic modules with blocking diodes classified at this tariff line require BIS registration under the Compulsory Registration 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 Compulsory Registration Scheme obligation. Micro enterprises as defined in the MSMED Act, 2006 are exempt.

Why do solar photovoltaic modules appear under HSN 8501 rather than HSN 8541?

Per Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs Instruction 08/2018-Cus, modules equipped with blocking diodes (or both blocking and bypass diodes) are classifiable under HSN 8501; modules with only bypass diodes are classifiable under HSN 8541.

Does one Compulsory Registration Scheme R-number cover all module variants from the same manufacturer?

No. The R-number is model-specific; module variants outside the registered model code, or produced at an unlicensed facility, are not covered and will trigger detention on a model-code mismatch at customs.

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