Containing primary cells, primary batteries, electric accumulators, mercury-switches, glass from cathode-ray tubes or other activated glass, or electrical or electronic components containing cadmium, mercury, lead or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

Electrical and electronic waste containing hazardous materials

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 8549 31 00 (electrical and electronic waste containing primary cells, batteries, mercury-switches, or cadmium, mercury, lead, or PCB-bearing components) is subject to Restricted-import status under the ITC (HS) policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), with mandatory compliance under the Hazardous Waste (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 and General Note 8(b) of the ITC (HS) Import Policy. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) prior informed consent and actual-user verification apply across multiple schedule categories, and import of waste listed in Schedule VI is absolutely prohibited.

What this is

HSN code

8549 31 00

Chapter

85 · Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) Restricted import policy; Hazardous Waste (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016

Customs documentation

MoEF&CC permission from MoEF&CC
Form 6 with test report from accredited lab
Actual-user declaration from importer

Compliance steps

1
Determine which Schedule of the Hazardous Waste (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 covers the consignment before filing the bill of entry. Import of waste listed in Schedule VI is prohibited outright; for Schedule III Part A waste, prior informed consent and MoEF&CC permission must be obtained and the importer must be an actual user; for Schedule III Part B waste, actual-user status and MoEF&CC permission are required; for Schedule III Part D waste, documents specified in Rule 13(2) and Schedule VIII must be verified.
Hazardous Waste (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 · General Note 8(b) of the ITC (HS) Import Policy
2
Ensure the consignment is accompanied by Form 6 and a test report of analysis from a laboratory accredited or recognised by the exporting country, wherever applicable. Customs may independently verify the test report or analysis if doubt arises regarding the schedule classification or composition of the waste.
Hazardous Waste (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 · General Note 8(b) of the ITC (HS) Import Policy
3
For waste falling under Schedule IV, confirm compliance with Rule 6(1)(ii) and Rule 6(2) of the Hazardous Waste (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 prior to clearance. Non-compliance triggers consignment detention and is treated as a violation of the Restricted-import policy under the ITC (HS).
Rule 6(1)(ii) and Rule 6(2) of the Hazardous Waste (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is misidentifying the applicable Schedule and proceeding as if a single MoEF&CC permission satisfies all sub-regimes. The Rules impose distinct and non-interchangeable obligations across Schedule III Parts A, B, and D, and Schedule IV — each with different prior-informed-consent, actual-user, and documentary requirements. A permission obtained for one schedule category does not extend to another; consignments presented with an incorrect schedule declaration are liable to seizure and may also attract prosecution under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8549 31 00 require BIS certification?

No. No BIS Quality Control Order covers electrical and electronic waste. Import is governed by the Restricted-import status under the ITC (HS) policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, with compliance obligations under the Hazardous Waste (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 and MoEF&CC permission requirements.

Which category of hazardous waste under this HSN is absolutely prohibited from import?

Import of hazardous waste listed in Schedule VI of the Hazardous Waste (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 is prohibited; no permission or actual-user status can override this prohibition.

Is actual-user status required for all schedule categories under this tariff line?

Actual-user verification is mandatory for Schedule III Part A and Part B waste; for Schedule III Part D waste, documents specified in Rule 13(2) and Schedule VIII apply instead, and Schedule IV imports are governed by Rule 6(1)(ii) and Rule 6(2).

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