Of an output exceeding 3,12,500 kVA

AC generators of output exceeding 312,500 kVA

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

HSN 8501 64 80 (AC generators of output exceeding 312,500 kVA) is covered by a Bureau of Indian Standards Quality Control Order. Solar photovoltaic modules with blocking diodes classifiable under this heading require BIS registration under the Compulsory Registration Scheme against IS 14286 or IS 16077, with effect from 30 August 2017 under the Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 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 80

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, 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 classification before filing: modules with blocking diodes (or blocking plus bypass diodes) are classifiable under HSN 8501; modules with bypass diodes only fall under HSN 8541. Obtain the supplier's technical data sheet confirming diode configuration in writing.
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 of solar panels, cells, or photovoltaic modules. Micro enterprises as defined under the MSMED 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 within the labelling scope. Retain the BEE labelling reference in consignment-level documentation for customs presentation.
BEE Notification 5506/BEE/S&L/AL/2025-26 dated 26-12-2025
5
Quote the supplier's BIS R-number and the CPCB EPR authorisation number on the bill of entry alongside the BEE labelling reference. Customs verifies all three against the respective issuing portals; any one absent, expired, or scope-mismatched 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 acute risk on HSN 8501 64 80 is misidentifying the applicable IS standard at the purchase-order stage: crystalline-silicon modules require certification against IS 14286 (with IS/IEC 61730-1 and IS/IEC 61730-2), while thin-film modules (A-Si, CIGS, CdTe) require certification against IS 16077 (with IS/IEC 61730-1 and IS/IEC 61730-2). Quoting the wrong standard on the R-number application results in a registration that does not cover the physical product, and customs real-time portal verification will flag the mismatch — triggering detention, demurrage, and a full re-certification cycle before re-export or clearance.

Need a regulatory steer on this product?

Speak to a regulatory counsel about your specific HSN, IS, and supplier situation.

Speak to an Expert

Frequently asked

Does HSN 8501 64 80 require BIS certification?

Yes. Solar photovoltaic modules with blocking diodes classifiable here require Bureau of Indian Standards 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 Compulsory Registration?

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

Which IS standard applies: IS 14286 or IS 16077?

IS 14286 applies to crystalline-silicon (Si wafer-based) terrestrial PV modules; IS 16077 applies to thin-film terrestrial PV modules including A-Si, CIGS, and CdTe variants. Both standards require compliance with IS/IEC 61730 Parts 1 and 2.

Does a single Compulsory Registration Scheme R-number cover all PV module models from the same manufacturer?

No. The R-number is model-specific; module variants outside the registered model code are not covered, and a model-code mismatch with the BIS portal at the time of customs verification triggers detention of the consignment.

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