Video magnetic tape including those in hubs and reels, rolls, pancakes and jumbo rolls

Video magnetic tape in hubs, reels, rolls, pancakes

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 8523 29 30 (Video magnetic tape including those in hubs and reels, rolls, pancakes and jumbo rolls) is subject to ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under policy condition no. 1 to Chapter 85 and 37. Import of cinematographic and video-format films requires a certificate of public exhibition under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and foreign reprints of Indian films require prior written permission from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

What this is

HSN code

8523 29 30

Chapter

85 · Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) import policy condition no. 1, Chapters 85 and 37

Customs documentation

Certificate of public exhibition from CBFC
Import permission from Ministry of I&B
ITC (HS) policy compliance declaration

Compliance steps

1
Verify that the imported video magnetic tape does not carry unauthorised or pirated content. Where the tape contains cinematographic or video-format film content, obtain a certificate of public exhibition as prescribed under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, before filing the bill of entry.
Policy condition no. 1 to Chapter 85 and 37 of ITC (HS)
2
If the consignment constitutes a foreign reprint of an Indian film, obtain prior written permission from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting before shipment. Import without this permission is prohibited and renders the consignment liable to seizure and confiscation.
Policy condition no. 1 to Chapter 85 and 37 of ITC (HS)

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is treating blank or unrecorded video magnetic tape as entirely outside the content-control regime. However, the policy condition applies to the tape as a medium carrying film content — importers must assess at the purchase-order stage whether the tape carries any Indian-film reprint content, since the Ministry of I&B permission requirement is a pre-shipment obligation and cannot be remedied after the consignment arrives at the Indian port.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8523 29 30 require BIS certification?

No, video magnetic tape under this tariff line is not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. Import is governed by the ITC (HS) policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, with content-specific conditions under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and policy condition no. 1 to Chapters 85 and 37.

Does the certificate of public exhibition requirement apply to blank video magnetic tape with no recorded content?

The certificate of public exhibition requirement is triggered by the presence of film content on the tape; blank unrecorded tape is not subject to that specific condition, though the general prohibition on pirated or unauthorised content applies to all imports under this tariff line.

What happens if a foreign reprint of an Indian film is imported without Ministry of I&B permission?

Import of foreign reprints of Indian films without prior written permission from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is prohibited under policy condition no. 1 to Chapter 85 and 37, rendering the consignment liable to confiscation and monetary penalty under the Customs Act, 1962.

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