Voice frequency telegraphy

Voice frequency telegraphy apparatus

CPCB CLEARANCE

HSN 8517 62 20 (Voice frequency telegraphy) is subject to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) authorisation under Schedule I of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, notified via G.S.R. 801(E) dated 02-11-2022. Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) policy overlays apply, including a Restricted-import condition on multichannel GSM/CDMA transceivers under General Note 16 of the ITC (HS) policy. Mandatory certification under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) framework also applies per Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017.

What this is

HSN code

8517 62 20

Chapter

85 · Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof

Primary regulator

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

Customs documentation

EPR authorisation from CPCB
MTCTE certificate from DoT/TEC
ITC (HS) policy declaration to CBIC

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

CPCBCPCB·Central Pollution Control Board

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

Compliance steps

1
Obtain CPCB Extended Producer Responsibility authorisation before importation. EPR authorisation is required for BTS components (excluding tower structure) listed under Schedule I of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022; the exemption for micro-enterprises as defined under the MSME Development Act, 2006 must be documented at the bill of entry if claimed.
E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, Schedule I · G.S.R. 801(E) dated 02-11-2022
2
Verify that the telecom equipment holds mandatory MTCTE certification covering the applicable product category. The List of Telecom Products notified under MTCTE was updated by DoT Notifications TEC/01/2017-TC dated 04-07-2019 and 23-06-2020, as amended by 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, under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017.
Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017 · DoT Notification F.No.5-2/2024-TC/TEC (Pt.1) dated 25-02-2025
3
Confirm that the consignment does not constitute multichannel GSM/CDMA receivers, transmitters, or transceivers operating on two or more frequencies simultaneously — such goods are Restricted under General Note 16 of the ITC (HS) Import Policy and require separate DGFT authorisation before the bill of entry is filed.
General Note 16 of ITC (HS) Import Policy · CBIC Circular 20/2013-Cus dated 14-05-2013

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is importing BTS components (excluding tower structure) without CPCB EPR authorisation on the assumption that the equipment is not 'e-waste' at point of import. EPR authorisation is a pre-import obligation, not a post-sale recycling formality; consignments arriving without valid EPR credentials are liable to detention at the port pending regularisation. The micro-enterprise exemption under the MSME Development Act, 2006 is self-declaratory but must be supported by a current Udyam registration at the bill of entry.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8517 62 20 require BIS certification?

No, no BIS Quality Control Order covers voice frequency telegraphy apparatus under this tariff line. Import is governed by CPCB EPR authorisation under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 and mandatory MTCTE certification under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017.

Does MTCTE certification apply to all voice frequency telegraphy equipment under this HSN?

Certification applies to product categories specifically notified in the MTCTE list, most recently updated by DoT Notification F.No.5-2/2024-TC/TEC (Pt.1) dated 25-02-2025; importers should verify their specific equipment model against the current notified list before shipment.

Are eNodeB and base transceiver station equipment classifiable under HSN 8517 62 20?

No. Per CBIC Instructions 01/2018-Cus dated 15-01-2018 and 08/2017-Cus dated 17-06-2017, eNodeB and antenna used at base transceiver stations merit classification under HSN 8517 62 90, not 8517 62 20; misclassification exposes the importer to duty short-payment and potential confiscation.

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