Motor cars

Battery electric motor cars for passenger transport

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 8703 80 30 (Motor cars with only electric motor for propulsion) is subject to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy under Policy Conditions 2, 7 and 9 of Chapter 87 for new vehicles, with separate conditions governing second-hand vehicles (Policy Condition 1) and customised cars (Policy Condition 10). Vehicle registration must comply with the Central Motor Vehicles (Eleventh Amendment) Rules, 2018 notified under GSR 870(E) dated 13-09-2018.

What this is

HSN code

8703 80 30

Chapter

87 · Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock; parts and accessories

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) Restricted import policy, Chapter 87 Policy Conditions

Customs documentation

Import compliance declaration from DGFT
Type Approval Certificate from Ministry of Road Transport
Registration compliance from State government

Compliance steps

1
Establish which Policy Condition governs the import: new electric vehicles fall under Policy Conditions 2, 7 and 9 of Chapter 87; second-hand or used vehicles fall under Policy Condition 1; customised cars and parts fall under Policy Condition 10. Review Policy Conditions 3, 4, 5, 6 and 11 for applicable exemptions before filing the bill of entry.
ITC (HS) Chapter 87 Policy Conditions 1, 2, 7, 9, 10 · DGFT Notification 14/2015-20 dated 28-08-2019
2
Ensure the vehicle's registration by the manufacturer, authorised representative, organisation, or individual for personal use, demonstration, testing, research or scientific use complies with the Central Motor Vehicles (Eleventh Amendment) Rules, 2018. Submit required documentation consistent with GSR 870(E) dated 13-09-2018.
GSR 870(E) dated 13-09-2018 · DGFT Notification 14/2015-20 dated 28-08-2019
3
For imports of Vintage Motor Vehicles, note that DGFT Notification 58/2024-25 dated 07-02-2025 amended Policy Condition 1(iii) to permit import by actual users on a Free basis. Confirm that the vehicle qualifies under the vintage-motor-vehicle definition before invoking this carve-out.
DGFT Notification 58/2024-25 dated 07-02-2025

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is conflating the Policy Condition applicable to new electric vehicles with those applicable to second-hand units — Policy Condition 1 governs second-hand vehicles and carries distinct documentary and end-use requirements, while Policy Conditions 2, 7 and 9 govern new vehicles. Filing a bill of entry for a second-hand electric car under the new-vehicle conditions results in a Restricted-import violation and potential confiscation, and the vintage-vehicle free-import carve-out under amended Policy Condition 1(iii) applies only to actual users as defined — not to commercial dealers.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8703 80 30 require BIS certification?

No, battery electric motor cars under this tariff line are not covered by a BIS Quality Control Order. Import is governed by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under the ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy, Chapter 87, with Policy Conditions 2, 7 and 9 applying to new vehicles.

Which Policy Conditions provide exemptions from the Chapter 87 import restrictions?

Policy Conditions 3, 4, 5, 6 and 11 of Chapter 87 set out applicable exemptions; importers should review each condition against the specific import scenario — manufacturer, authorised representative, personal use, demonstration, testing, research or scientific use — before filing.

Can vintage electric motor vehicles be imported freely?

Yes, following the amendment under DGFT Notification 58/2024-25 dated 07-02-2025, Vintage Motor Vehicles are Free for import by actual users under Policy Condition 1(iii), subject to the vehicle qualifying under the vintage-motor-vehicle definition.

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