For a voltage exceeding 1,000 V

High-voltage electrical control and distribution panels (exceeding 1,000 V)

PARTNER GOVERNMENT AGENCY CLEARANCE

HSN 8537 20 00 (boards, panels, consoles, cabinets and similar bases for electric control or distribution at voltages exceeding 1,000 V) is subject to mandatory certification under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) scheme administered by the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing / Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC) of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), where the product falls within the notified list under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017. Importers must verify whether their specific product configuration appears on the MTCTE-notified list before filing the bill of entry.

What this is

HSN code

8537 20 00

Chapter

85 · Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof

Primary regulator

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

Customs documentation

MTCTE certificate from TEC/DoT
Type approval declaration from importer

Compliance steps

1
Determine whether the specific high-voltage panel model falls within the list of telecom products notified under the MTCTE scheme. Refer to DoT Notification TEC/01/2017-TC dated 04-07-2019 as amended by Notification F.No.5-2/2021-TC/TEC/131 dated 13-06-2022 and Notification F.No.5-2/2024-TC/TEC(Pt.1) dated 25-02-2025 for the current notified product list.
Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017 · DoT Notification TEC/01/2017-TC dated 04-07-2019 · 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
If the product is on the MTCTE-notified list, obtain mandatory TEC certification before import and ensure the certificate is uploaded in e-Sanchit prior to out-of-charge. Products imported without valid MTCTE certification where mandated are liable to detention and refusal of out-of-charge by the proper officer.
Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017 · DoT Notification 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 importing high-voltage switchgear panels without first checking the periodically updated MTCTE notified-product list. The MTCTE list has been amended multiple times — most recently by Notification F.No.5-2/2024-TC/TEC(Pt.1) dated 25-02-2025 — meaning a product not on the list at time of order placement may be notified by the time of shipment; a consignment arriving without the requisite TEC certificate is detained pending regularisation, with demurrage and ground rent accruing at port.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8537 20 00 require BIS certification?

No, no BIS Quality Control Order covers high-voltage electrical control and distribution panels under this tariff line. The applicable mandatory certification regime is the MTCTE scheme administered by the Department of Telecommunications under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017, where the specific product appears on the notified list.

How do I confirm whether my panel model is on the current MTCTE notified list?

The current notified list is published by the Telecom Engineering Centre and was last amended by DoT Notification F.No.5-2/2024-TC/TEC(Pt.1) dated 25-02-2025; importers should verify the product description against that notification before placing the purchase order.

What happens if a high-voltage panel is imported without MTCTE certification and the model is later found to be on the notified list?

The consignment is liable to detention at the port of import and refusal of out-of-charge until valid TEC certification is produced; prolonged detention attracts demurrage and ground rent, and in the absence of regularisation the consignment may be directed for re-export.

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