Other

Parts for electrical switchgear, control panels and apparatus

PARTNER GOVERNMENT AGENCY CLEARANCE

HSN 8538 90 00 (parts for apparatus of headings 8535, 8536 or 8537) is subject to mandatory certification under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) scheme, administered through the Telecommunications Engineering Centre (TEC) under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017, where the specific part falls within the notified list of telecom products. DoT notifications TEC/01/2017-TC dated 04-07-2019 and F.No.5-2/2024-TC/TEC (Pt.1) dated 25-02-2025 govern the current scope of mandatory certification.

What this is

HSN code

8538 90 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
Telecom product compliance declaration from DoT
Import documentation from CBIC

Compliance steps

1
Verify whether the specific part falls within the notified list of telecom products subject to mandatory certification under the MTCTE scheme. The operative lists are notified under DoT notifications TEC/01/2017-TC dated 04-07-2019 and 23-06-2020, 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.
Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017 · DoT Notification TEC/01/2017-TC dated 04-07-2019 · F.No.5-2/2024-TC/TEC (Pt.1) dated 25-02-2025
2
Where the part is on the MTCTE notified list, obtain a valid TEC certificate before shipment and upload the mandatory certification documentation in e-Sanchit at the bill of entry stage. Consignments bearing MTCTE-listed products without a current TEC certificate are liable to detention and refusal of out-of-charge.
Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017 · DoT Notification F.No.5-2/2021-TC/TEC/131 dated 13-06-2022

A word of counsel

The critical error on this tariff line is assuming that because 8538 90 00 is a residual 'Other' parts heading, the product automatically falls outside the MTCTE notified scope. Parts suitable for use with switchgear or control apparatus that incorporate radio frequency, network interface, or telecom-enabling functions are regularly captured by DoT's periodically expanded notified list; each amendment notification — the most recent being F.No.5-2/2024-TC/TEC (Pt.1) dated 25-02-2025 — may draw in product categories previously uncertified.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8538 90 00 require BIS certification?

No, no BIS Quality Control Order covers this residual parts heading. Where the part falls within the telecom-product notified list, mandatory certification is required under the MTCTE scheme administered by the Telecommunications Engineering Centre under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017.

How do I confirm whether my specific part is on the MTCTE notified list?

The operative notified list is published under DoT notification TEC/01/2017-TC and its amendments, the most recent being F.No.5-2/2024-TC/TEC (Pt.1) dated 25-02-2025; the TEC product list should be checked against the exact product description and function before filing the bill of entry.

What is the consequence of importing an MTCTE-listed part without a valid TEC certificate?

Customs out-of-charge will be refused; the consignment is liable to detention and may be directed for re-export under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017, with demurrage and ground rent accruing at the port of import.

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