Variable or adjustable (pre-set) capacitors

Variable and adjustable capacitors for AC power systems

BIS QCO APPLICABLE · ISI MARK SCHEME · IS 2993

HSN 8532 30 00 (variable or adjustable capacitors) is covered by a Bureau of Indian Standards Quality Control Order. Conformity to IS 2993, IS 13340, or IS 13585 (Part 1) is mandatory under the ISI Mark Scheme with effect from 1 August 2017, by virtue of the Electrical Capacitors (Quality Control) Order, 2017. No separate customs-clearance overlay beyond BIS applies to this tariff line.

What this is

HSN code

8532 30 00

Chapter

85 · Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof

BIS QCO

Applicable · ISI Mark Scheme · CM/L required

Indian Standard

IS 2993 · effective 01-08-2017

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

BISBIS·Bureau of Indian Standards

Compliance steps

1
Identify which Indian Standard governs the specific capacitor type being imported: IS 2993 for AC motor capacitors, IS 13340 for self-healing-type power capacitors rated up to 650 V, or IS 13585 (Part 1) for non-self-healing shunt power capacitors rated up to 1000 V. Source only from a Bureau of Indian Standards CM/L-licensed manufacturer holding a current licence against the applicable standard.
Electrical Capacitors (Quality Control) Order, 2017 · S.O. 2434(E) dated 01-08-2017
2
Verify the supplier's CM/L licence number, licensed product scope, rated voltage range, and licensed manufacturing facility address on the BIS online register before placing the purchase order. The licence must cover the exact capacitor type, voltage rating, and manufacturing plant of the consignment.
Electrical Capacitors (Quality Control) Order, 2017 · S.O. 2434(E) dated 01-08-2017 · BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018
3
Ensure every capacitor bears the ISI mark and the supplier's CM/L number in accordance with Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. Marking must appear on the product unit itself; marking present only on outer packaging does not satisfy the QCO requirement.
Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 · Electrical Capacitors (Quality Control) Order, 2017
4
Quote the supplier's BIS CM/L number and the applicable IS reference on the bill of entry. Customs verifies the CM/L in real time against the BIS register; an absent, expired, or scope-mismatched licence triggers consignment detention, with demurrage and ground rent accruing at the port.
Electrical Capacitors (Quality Control) Order, 2017 · S.O. 2434(E) dated 01-08-2017 · General Note 2 of the ITC (HS) Import Policy

A word of counsel

The single most common error on this tariff line is treating the three applicable standards as interchangeable and citing a single CM/L against IS 2993 for a consignment that actually contains self-healing power capacitors governed by IS 13340 or non-self-healing shunt capacitors governed by IS 13585 (Part 1). A CM/L is standard-specific and rated-voltage-range-specific; a licence against IS 2993 (AC motor capacitors) does not cover IS 13340 or IS 13585 (Part 1) product types. Customs detention follows immediately when the ISI mark on the product corresponds to a standard not matching the licensed scope on the BIS register.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8532 30 00 require BIS certification?

Yes. Import is subject to the Electrical Capacitors (Quality Control) Order, 2017 under the ISI Mark Scheme; manufacturers must hold a current Bureau of Indian Standards CM/L licence against IS 2993, IS 13340, or IS 13585 (Part 1) as applicable, with effect from 1 August 2017.

Which Indian Standard applies to a given capacitor type under this tariff line?

IS 2993 applies to AC motor capacitors; IS 13340 applies to self-healing-type power capacitors for AC systems rated up to 650 V; IS 13585 (Part 1) applies to non-self-healing shunt power capacitors for AC systems rated up to 1000 V.

Does a CM/L licence against one of the three standards cover all capacitor types under HSN 8532 30 00?

No. Each CM/L is standard-specific and product-scope-specific; a licence against IS 2993 does not authorise import of IS 13340 or IS 13585 (Part 1) product types, and the licensed voltage range must match the consignment.

Is the CM/L licence also facility-specific?

Yes. A BIS CM/L licence is tied to the specific manufacturing facility listed on the licence; capacitors produced at a different plant, even by the same manufacturer, are not covered and cannot legally bear the ISI mark.

Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-18. Source: BIS / Indian Customs CUSDATA.