Information technology software

Information technology software on physical media

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 8523 80 20 (Information technology software) is subject to the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), including policy condition no. 1 to Chapter 85. Telecom-embedded software products that fall within the scope of Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) must additionally comply with Department of Telecommunications notifications under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017.

What this is

HSN code

8523 80 20

Chapter

85 · Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof

Primary regulator

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

Customs documentation

ITC policy compliance from DGFT
MTCTE certificate from DoT/TEC
Exhibition certificate from CBFC

Compliance steps

1
Verify whether the software product falls within the MTCTE-notified list of telecom products. If it does, obtain mandatory certification under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017 as updated by DoT Notifications TEC/01/2017-TC dated 04-07-2019, 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 before filing the bill of entry.
Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017 · DoT Notifications TEC/01/2017-TC dated 04-07-2019 and 23-06-2020 · F.No.5-2/2021-TC/TEC/131 dated 13-06-2022 · F.No.5-2/2024-TC/TEC(Pt.1) dated 25-02-2025
2
For software supplied on cinematographic or video media (video tape, compact video disc, laser video disc, or digital video disc), ensure a valid certificate of public exhibition is obtained under the Cinematograph Act, 1952. Import of unauthorised or pirated films is prohibited, and foreign reprints of Indian films require prior written permission from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
ITC (HS) policy condition no. 1 to Chapter 85 and Chapter 37 · Cinematograph Act, 1952

A word of counsel

The most frequent error on this tariff line is assuming that software on physical media is uniformly free of product-certification obligations. Where the software is embedded in or supplied with telecom equipment appearing on the MTCTE-notified list, the mandatory TEC certification obligation attaches to the import regardless of whether the software is the primary commercial item. Failing to check the current MTCTE notified-product list against F.No.5-2/2024-TC/TEC(Pt.1) dated 25-02-2025 before shipment results in consignment detention pending certification, accruing demurrage and ground rent.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8523 80 20 require BIS certification?

No, no BIS Quality Control Order covers information technology software on physical media. Import is governed by the ITC (HS) policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, with a MTCTE certification overlay for telecom-scope products under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017.

Which software products are subject to MTCTE mandatory certification under this HSN?

Products appearing on the notified list published under DoT Notification TEC/01/2017-TC and updated most recently via F.No.5-2/2024-TC/TEC(Pt.1) dated 25-02-2025 require mandatory TEC certification; importers must check the current list before each shipment as the notified scope is amended periodically.

Can films or video-format software be imported without a cinematographic certificate?

No. Any import of cinematographic or video-format content is subject to compliance with all applicable Indian laws on distribution and exhibition, including a certificate of public exhibition under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and import of foreign reprints of Indian films requires prior written permission from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

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