Electrically operated

Electrically operated motor vehicles for goods transport

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 8704 90 12 (Electrically operated goods transport vehicles) is subject to ITC (HS) import policy conditions administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), with new vehicles governed by Policy Conditions 2, 7 and 9 of Chapter 87 and second-hand or used vehicles by Policy Condition 1. Vehicle registration must comply with the Central Motor Vehicles (Eleventh Amendment) Rules, 2018 under GSR 870(E) dated 13-09-2018.

What this is

HSN code

8704 90 12

Chapter

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

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) import policy, Chapter 87 (Policy Conditions 1, 2, 7 and 9)

Customs documentation

Import Licence from DGFT
Policy condition compliance from DGFT
Registration compliance from Ministry of Road Transport

Compliance steps

1
For new electrically operated goods vehicles, confirm compliance with Policy Conditions 2, 7 and 9 of Chapter 87 of the ITC (HS) before filing the bill of entry. Review Policy Conditions 3, 4, 5, 6 and 11 to determine whether any applicable exemption covers the specific import.
ITC (HS) import policy, Chapter 87, Policy Conditions 2, 7, 9 and exemptions under Conditions 3, 4, 5, 6 and 11
2
For second-hand or used electrically operated goods vehicles, comply with Policy Condition 1 of Chapter 87. The import regime for used vehicles is distinct from the new-vehicle regime and carries separate eligibility and documentation requirements.
ITC (HS) import policy, Chapter 87, Policy Condition 1
3
Ensure post-importation vehicle registration complies with the Central Motor Vehicles (Eleventh Amendment) Rules, 2018 under GSR 870(E) dated 13-09-2018. Imports by manufacturers, their authorised representatives, or organisations and citizens for personal use, demonstration, testing, research or scientific use must also satisfy DGFT Notification 14/2015-20 dated 28-08-2019.
GSR 870(E) dated 13-09-2018 · DGFT Notification 14/2015-20 dated 28-08-2019 · ITC (HS) Chapter 87, Policy Condition 12

A word of counsel

The most frequent error on this tariff line is applying the new-vehicle policy conditions to a second-hand or used electric goods vehicle, or vice versa. The two regimes under Chapter 87 are mutually exclusive — Policy Condition 1 governs used imports with its own eligibility criteria, while Conditions 2, 7 and 9 govern new imports; a mismatch in classification at the bill-of-entry stage results in consignment detention pending DGFT clarification and potential re-export or confiscation.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8704 90 12 require BIS certification?

No, no BIS Quality Control Order covers this tariff line. Import is governed by the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under the Chapter 87 policy conditions, with vehicle registration compliance required under the Central Motor Vehicles (Eleventh Amendment) Rules, 2018.

Which policy conditions apply to imports by manufacturers or authorised representatives for testing or demonstration?

Policy Condition 12 of Chapter 87 applies to such imports, and the importer must also satisfy DGFT Notification 14/2015-20 dated 28-08-2019 and comply with GSR 870(E) dated 13-09-2018 for vehicle registration.

Are there exemptions from the standard Chapter 87 import policy conditions for electrically operated goods vehicles?

Yes. Policy Conditions 3, 4, 5, 6 and 11 of Chapter 87 set out the applicable exemption categories; the importer must verify which, if any, apply to the specific consignment before filing the bill of entry.

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