Blank Master Disc (that is, substrate) for producing stamper for compact disc

Blank master disc substrate for compact disc stamper production

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 8523 41 20 (Blank Master Disc substrate for producing a stamper for compact disc) is subject to ITC (HS) import policy conditions administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under Policy Condition No. 1 to Chapter 85. Imports of cinematographic and related film media under this chapter are conditioned on compliance with all applicable Indian laws governing distribution and exhibition, including certification requirements under the Cinematograph Act, 1952.

What this is

HSN code

8523 41 20

Chapter

85 · Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) import policy, Policy Condition No. 1 to Chapter 85

Customs documentation

ITC (HS) policy compliance from DGFT
Exhibition certificate from Ministry of I&B
Chapter 85 qualifiers from CBIC

Compliance steps

1
Confirm the consignment does not constitute unauthorised or pirated film content. Import of any unauthorised or pirated films is prohibited outright; the importer must be prepared to demonstrate the legitimate nature of the substrate at the bill-of-entry stage.
Policy Condition No. 1 to Chapter 85 and Chapter 37, ITC (HS)
2
Where the blank master disc is intended for use in producing stampers for cinematographic or video-format content, ensure a certificate of public exhibition under the Cinematograph Act, 1952 has been obtained prior to import. Compliance with all Indian laws governing distribution and exhibition of films is a condition of import.
Policy Condition No. 1 to Chapter 85, ITC (HS) · Cinematograph Act, 1952
3
If the import involves foreign reprints of Indian films, obtain prior written permission from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting before filing the bill of entry. No such consignment may be cleared without this permission.
Policy Condition No. 1 to Chapter 85, ITC (HS)

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is treating the blank substrate as a purely technical optical-disc component and overlooking the chapter-level film-content policy conditions. Even where the disc is unrecorded at the time of import, the intended downstream use — production of stampers for cinematographic or video-format content — brings the consignment within Policy Condition No. 1 of Chapter 85, and a missing exhibition certificate or absent Ministry of I&B permission will trigger detention and potential confiscation at the port.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8523 41 20 require BIS certification?

No, blank master disc substrates are not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by the ITC (HS) policy conditions administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, specifically Policy Condition No. 1 to Chapter 85, which mandates compliance with Indian laws on film distribution and the Cinematograph Act, 1952.

Do the film-content policy conditions apply even when the master disc is blank at the time of import?

Yes. Policy Condition No. 1 to Chapter 85 applies to the import of cinematographic and related film media under the chapter; the downstream use for stamper production for compact disc content brings the substrate within scope, and the certificate-of-exhibition and Ministry of I&B permission requirements apply accordingly.

What is the consequence of importing foreign reprints of Indian films without prior Ministry of I&B permission?

Such imports are not permitted under Policy Condition No. 1 to Chapter 85; consignments arriving without prior written permission from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting are liable to detention, re-export, or confiscation under Customs Act enforcement.

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