Cartridge tape

Magnetic cartridge tape for recording or storage

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 8523 49 60 (Cartridge tape) is subject to the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under policy condition no. 1 to Chapter 85. Where the cartridge tape contains cinematographic or other film content, import is conditioned on compliance with the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and all applicable Indian laws governing distribution and exhibition, including a certificate of public exhibition.

What this is

HSN code

8523 49 60

Chapter

85 · Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) import policy condition no. 1, Chapter 85

Customs documentation

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

Compliance steps

1
Confirm that no cartridge tape in the consignment contains unauthorized or pirated film content. Where recorded film content is present, obtain a certificate of public exhibition from the Central Board of Film Certification as mandated under the Cinematograph Act, 1952 before filing the bill of entry.
Cinematograph Act, 1952 · ITC (HS) policy condition no. 1 to Chapter 85
2
For foreign reprints of Indian films on cartridge tape, obtain prior written permission from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting before shipment. Consignments arriving without this permission are prohibited imports and are liable to detention and confiscation.
ITC (HS) policy condition no. 1 to Chapter 85 and Chapter 37

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is treating blank or data-cartridge tape as entirely unrestricted and overlooking the policy condition that sweeps in any tape carrying film content — including legacy formats on video tape. A consignment that contains even a single recorded film title without a public-exhibition certificate is treated as a prohibited import under policy condition no. 1 to Chapter 85, exposing the importer to confiscation and criminal liability under the Cinematograph Act, 1952.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8523 49 60 require BIS certification?

No, cartridge tape under this tariff line is not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. Import is governed by DGFT's ITC (HS) policy condition no. 1 to Chapter 85, which imposes content-specific conditions relating to the Cinematograph Act, 1952.

Does the certificate-of-public-exhibition requirement apply to blank cartridge tape as well?

No. The certificate of public exhibition under the Cinematograph Act, 1952 is required only where the tape contains cinematographic or other film content; blank data-storage cartridge tape is not subject to that condition, though the general ITC (HS) policy condition no. 1 still applies.

What happens if a foreign reprint of an Indian film on cartridge tape is imported without Ministry of Information and Broadcasting permission?

Import of foreign reprints of Indian films without prior written permission from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is prohibited; such consignments are liable to confiscation and the importer faces enforcement under the ITC (HS) policy and applicable Indian film-distribution laws.

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