Other

Co-axial cable and other co-axial electric conductors

BIS QCO APPLICABLE · ISI MARK SCHEME · IS 17048

HSN 8544 20 90 (co-axial cable and other co-axial electric conductors, not separately specified) is covered by a Bureau of Indian Standards Quality Control Order. Conformity to IS 17048:2018 (halogen-free flame-retardant cables) and IS 7098 Parts 1, 2, and 3 (cross-linked polyethylene insulated cables) is mandatory under the ISI Mark Scheme with effect from 21 January 2020, by virtue of the Cables (Quality Control) Order, 2020. Directorate General of Foreign Trade Tariff Rate Quota allocation for copper products under CTH 8544 applies as a separate customs-clearance overlay.

What this is

HSN code

8544 20 90

Chapter

85 · Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof

BIS QCO

Applicable · ISI Mark Scheme · CM/L required

Indian Standard

IS 17048 · effective 21-01-2020

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

BISBIS·Bureau of Indian Standards

Procedural directions for customs clearance are issued by: Directorate General of Foreign Trade.

Compliance steps

1
Verify the foreign supplier holds a current BIS CM/L licence against the applicable standard: IS 17048:2018 for halogen-free flame-retardant cables up to 1100 V, IS 7098 (Part 1):1988 for XLPE/PVC-sheathed cables up to 1100 V, IS 7098 (Part 2):2011 for cables 3.3 kV to 33 kV, or IS 7098 (Part 3):1993 for cables 66 kV to 220 kV. Confirm scope and facility on the BIS online register before placing the purchase order.
Cables (Quality Control) Order, 2020 · S.O. 294(E) dated 21-01-2020
2
Ensure each cable drum or reel bears the ISI mark and the supplier's CM/L number, traceable to the licensed manufacturing facility. Marking must appear on the product itself; marking only on outer packaging does not satisfy the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 requirement.
Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 · Cables (Quality Control) Order, 2020
3
Match the cable's rated voltage range and insulation type to the exact IS standard and part covered by the CM/L. A licence against IS 17048:2018 does not cover XLPE cables under IS 7098, and a Part 1 licence does not extend to Parts 2 or 3.
Cables (Quality Control) Order, 2020 · S.O. 294(E) dated 21-01-2020
4
Quote the supplier's BIS CM/L number 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, demurrage, and potential re-export or confiscation.
BIS Act, 2016 · Customs Act, 1962 · Cables (Quality Control) Order, 2020
5
If the consignment falls within the Tariff Rate Quota for copper products under CTH 8544, confirm TRQ allocation from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under the revised India-Nepal Treaty procedure and para 2.92 of the Handbook of Procedures, 2023 before shipment.
DGFT Public Notice 17/2023 dated 22-06-2023 · para 2.92 of the Handbook of Procedures, 2023

A word of counsel

The most frequent error on this tariff line is treating a single CM/L licence as covering the entire cable range when BIS licences are voltage-range and standard-part specific. An IS 17048:2018 CM/L covers only halogen-free flame-retardant cables up to 1100 V; XLPE cables at medium or high voltage require separate CM/L coverage under IS 7098 (Part 2):2011 or IS 7098 (Part 3):1993. A mixed consignment containing cables governed by different IS parts, where only one part's CM/L is declared, will result in detention of the uncovered portion at port regardless of the primary CM/L's validity.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8544 20 90 require BIS certification?

Yes. Import is permitted only from manufacturers holding a current BIS CM/L licence under the ISI Mark Scheme against IS 17048:2018 or the applicable part of IS 7098, with effect from 21 January 2020 under the Cables (Quality Control) Order, 2020.

Which Indian Standard applies to a specific co-axial cable under this HSN?

The applicable standard depends on cable type and voltage rating: IS 17048:2018 for halogen-free flame-retardant cables up to 1100 V; IS 7098 (Part 1):1988 for XLPE/PVC-sheathed cables up to 1100 V; IS 7098 (Part 2):2011 for 3.3 kV to 33 kV; IS 7098 (Part 3):1993 for 66 kV to 220 kV.

Does the DGFT Tariff Rate Quota for copper products affect BIS QCO compliance?

No. The TRQ under DGFT Public Notice 17/2023 is a separate customs-clearance overlay governing allocation of 10,000 MT of copper products under CTH 8544 for the relevant financial year; it does not modify or waive the BIS QCO obligation.

Does a single CM/L licence cover all voltage ratings and cable types within this HSN?

No. The CM/L is standard-specific and part-specific; a licence against IS 17048:2018 does not cover IS 7098 cables, and a licence against IS 7098 (Part 1) does not extend to Parts 2 or 3. Each cable type in a consignment must be covered by a separate, current CM/L.

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