Paper insulated, of a kind used in telecommunication

Paper insulated telecommunication cable

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 8544 49 91 (paper insulated cable of a kind used in telecommunication) is governed by the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), subject to ITC (HS) Condition 2 of Chapter 85. Copper-content products under this tariff line — including those sourced from Sri Lanka under ISFTA — are additionally subject to a Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) regime for copper products under Chapter 74 and CTH 8544, with DGFT as the designated authority for TRQ allocation and monitoring.

What this is

HSN code

8544 49 91

Chapter

85 · Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) import policy, Condition 2 of Chapter 85

Customs documentation

ITC (HS) policy declaration from DGFT
TRQ allocation letter from DGFT
ISFTA origin certificate from exporter

Compliance steps

1
Verify compliance with ITC (HS) Condition 2 of Chapter 85 before filing the bill of entry. Any non-compliance with this policy condition renders the import liable to detention and Restricted-import enforcement by Customs at the port of entry.
ITC (HS) 2022, Condition 2 to Chapter 85
2
If the consignment comprises copper products under CTH 8544 subject to the TRQ, obtain a TRQ allocation from DGFT under the revised procedure notified at para 2.92 of the Handbook of Procedures 2023. DGFT is the sole designated authority for allocation and monitoring of the 10,000 MT annual TRQ for copper products for FY 2023-24.
DGFT Public Notice 17/2023 dated 22-06-2023, para (i) to (xv); HBP 2023 para 2.92

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is overlooking the TRQ overlay for copper-content cable: importers secure standard customs clearance but neglect to obtain the DGFT TRQ allocation letter before the consignment arrives, triggering port detention pending regularisation. Separately, Sri Lanka ISFTA preferential-duty claims via Nhava Sheva, Chennai, Tuticorin, Cochin, ICD TKD, ICD Mulund, ICD Ludhiana or ICD Pitampur require a valid origin certificate — claims submitted at any other port will be rejected.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8544 49 91 require BIS certification?

No, no BIS Quality Control Order covers paper insulated telecommunication cable under this tariff line. Import is governed by the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, including Condition 2 of Chapter 85 and the TRQ regime for copper products under DGFT Public Notice 17/2023.

Which ports are permitted for ISFTA imports of articles of copper under this HSN?

ISFTA preferential clearance for articles of copper from Sri Lanka is permitted only through Nhava Sheva, Chennai, Tuticorin, Cochin, ICD TKD, ICD Mulund, ICD Ludhiana, and ICD Pitampur; consignments arriving at any other port are not eligible for ISFTA concessions.

Does the TRQ allocation requirement apply to all imports under HSN 8544 49 91?

The TRQ regime applies specifically to copper products under Chapter 74 and CTH 8544 imported under the revised India-Nepal treaty and the DGFT-monitored 10,000 MT annual quota; non-copper or non-Nepal-origin cable under this HSN is not subject to the TRQ but must still comply with ITC (HS) Condition 2 of Chapter 85.

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