Other

Other recorded or unrecorded media, storage devices

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 8523 80 90 (Other media for recording of sound or other phenomena) is subject to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) import policy conditions under Chapter 85 of the ITC (HS) Schedule, which restrict import of unauthorised or pirated films and impose cinematograph certification obligations on film-bearing media. Telecom Equipment and products incorporating notified telecommunications functionality must additionally comply with mandatory certification under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017 and the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) regime administered by the Department of Telecommunications.

What this is

HSN code

8523 80 90

Chapter

85 · Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) policy conditions 1 to Chapter 85 and Chapter 37

Customs documentation

Certificate of public exhibition from CBFC
MTCTE type-approval certificate from DoT
Ministry of I&B prior permission from MIB

Compliance steps

1
For imports of cinematographic films or other film-bearing media (including video tape, compact video disc, laser video disc, or digital video disc), ensure the importer holds a certificate of public exhibition issued under the Cinematograph Act, 1952. Import of foreign reprints of Indian films requires prior written permission from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; unauthorised or pirated films are absolutely prohibited.
ITC (HS) policy condition 1 to Chapter 85 and Chapter 37
2
If the media product incorporates or constitutes a telecom product notified under the MTCTE framework, verify that a valid type-approval certificate has been obtained under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017 before filing the bill of entry. Consult the current MTCTE product list as notified by the Telecommunications Engineering Centre and updated vide Notification F.No.5-2/2024-TC/TEC(Pt.1) dated 25-02-2025.
Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017 · TEC Notification TEC/01/2017-TC dated 04-07-2019 as amended vide 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

A word of counsel

The most common error on this residual tariff line is importing film-bearing media — particularly DVDs or laser discs containing foreign-produced content — without verifying whether the content requires a certificate of public exhibition under the Cinematograph Act, 1952. The prohibition on unauthorised and pirated films applies to the medium itself, not just to the content distributor: a consignment of discs carrying uncertified foreign content is liable to confiscation at the port of entry, and retrospective certification is not accepted as a remedy once the bill of entry has been filed.

Need a regulatory steer on this product?

Speak to a regulatory counsel about your specific HSN, IS, and supplier situation.

Speak to an Expert

Frequently asked

Does HSN 8523 80 90 require BIS certification?

No, no BIS Quality Control Order covers this residual media category. Import is governed by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under ITC (HS) policy conditions to Chapter 85, with a concurrent MTCTE certification requirement for notified telecom products administered by the Department of Telecommunications.

Which media formats are subject to the Cinematograph Act certificate requirement?

The policy condition applies to cinematographic films and other films regardless of format, expressly including film on video tape, compact video disc, laser video disc, and digital video disc; all such formats require a certificate of public exhibition before import clearance.

Does the MTCTE obligation apply to all goods under this HSN or only to specific products?

MTCTE certification is required only for products falling within the notified list of telecom equipment issued by the Telecommunications Engineering Centre; the current notified list should be verified against TEC Notification F.No.5-2/2024-TC/TEC(Pt.1) dated 25-02-2025, as the list is periodically expanded.

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