Motor starters for DC motors

Motor starters for DC motors, low-voltage switching apparatus

PARTNER GOVERNMENT AGENCY CLEARANCE

HSN 8536 90 20 (Motor starters for DC motors) is subject to mandatory certification under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) framework administered by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), where the product falls within the notified list of telecom equipment under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017. Importers must confirm whether the specific DC motor starter variant is captured in the MTCTE notified product list before filing the bill of entry.

What this is

HSN code

8536 90 20

Chapter

85 · Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof

Primary regulator

DoT · Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017 (MTCTE mandatory certification)

Customs documentation

MTCTE certificate from DoT
TEC type approval from DoT
Import declaration from CBIC

Compliance steps

1
Verify whether the DC motor starter model falls within the MTCTE notified product list under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017, as updated by DoT Notifications TEC/01/2017-TC dated 04-07-2019, 23-06-2020, 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. If notified, a valid MTCTE certificate from a Telecommunications Engineering Centre (TEC)-recognised test laboratory is mandatory before importation.
Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017 · DoT Notification 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
Upload the MTCTE certificate and supporting type-approval documentation in e-Sanchit at the bill of entry stage. Consignments for which the notified product is presented without a valid MTCTE certificate are liable to detention and refusal of out-of-charge by the proper officer.
Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017 · F.No.5-2/2024-TC/TEC (Pt.1) dated 25-02-2025

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming that because motor starters are primarily industrial electrical apparatus, the MTCTE telecom-equipment certification framework does not apply. The DoT notified-product list under F.No.5-2/2024-TC/TEC (Pt.1) dated 25-02-2025 has progressively expanded its scope; importers should confirm the current notified list against the specific product model before shipment, as detention at the port of entry pending MTCTE certificate production accrues demurrage and ground rent with no rectification mechanism short of re-export.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8536 90 20 require BIS certification?

No, no BIS Quality Control Order covers motor starters for DC motors under this tariff line. The operative certification framework is the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) scheme administered by the Department of Telecommunications under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017, where the product falls within the notified list.

How do I confirm whether my specific DC motor starter model is captured in the MTCTE notified product list?

The current notified list is maintained by the Telecommunications Engineering Centre and was last updated vide DoT Notification F.No.5-2/2024-TC/TEC (Pt.1) dated 25-02-2025; importers should cross-check the product category and technical specifications against the TEC-published annexure before placing the purchase order.

What happens if a DC motor starter is imported without an MTCTE certificate when the product is on the notified list?

The consignment is liable to detention at the port of entry, refusal of out-of-charge, and potential confiscation under the Indian Telegraph Act; re-export is the typical outcome where certification cannot be remedied post-arrival.

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