Other trailers and semi-trailers

Trailers and semi-trailers, non-mechanically propelled

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 8716 40 00 (Other trailers and semi-trailers) is subject to the ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under conditions 1, 2 and 7 of Chapter 87. Import of new vehicles is permitted only through 18 designated seaports, airports, and ICDs notified under DGFT Notification 18/2015-20 and DGFT Notification 59/2023. Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 compliance — including homologation, right-hand drive, kilometre speedometer, and headlamp photometry — applies at the bill of entry.

What this is

HSN code

8716 40 00

Chapter

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

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) Restricted import policy, Chapter 87 (conditions 1, 2 and 7)

Customs documentation

Homologation certificate from designated authority
Port restriction declaration to CBIC
ITC (HS) policy compliance from DGFT

Compliance steps

1
Route the consignment exclusively through one of the 18 designated ports notified under DGFT Notification 18/2015-20 (as amended by DGFT Notification 59/2023 dated 12-02-2024): seaports Nhava Sheva, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ennore, Cochin, Kattupalli, APM Terminals Pipavav, Krishnapatnam, Vishakhapatnam and Mundra; air cargo complexes at Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai; and ICDs at Talegaon Pune, Tughlakabad, Faridabad and Garhi Harsaru. Consignments arriving at any unnotified port are liable to detention and re-export.
DGFT Notification 18/2015-20 dated 12-07-2018 · DGFT Notification 59/2023 dated 12-02-2024 · ITC (HS) Chapter 87, conditions 1 and 2
2
Prior to or at the bill of entry, produce the homologation certificate (or type-approval document per condition 7 of ITC (HS) Chapter 87) demonstrating compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Rules thereunder, including right-hand drive configuration, kilometre speedometer, and photometry of headlamps.
ITC (HS) Chapter 87, condition 7 · Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
3
If importing second-hand trailers or semi-trailers, note that entry is restricted solely to Mumbai port under condition 1 of ITC (HS) Chapter 87. Second-hand vehicles presented at any other notified port remain subject to refusal of clearance.
ITC (HS) Chapter 87, condition 1 · DGFT Notification 18/2015-20

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is securing a designated-port nomination for the shipment without separately verifying homologation and right-hand-drive compliance before vessel departure. Customs officers routinely verify Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 technical requirements — kilometre speedometer calibration and headlamp photometry in particular — at the port of entry, and a non-conforming consignment is detained until rectification or directed to re-export; neither demurrage nor ground rent liability is suspended during that period.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8716 40 00 require BIS certification?

No, other trailers and semi-trailers are not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. Import is governed by the ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under conditions 1, 2 and 7 of Chapter 87, with a designated-port restriction and Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 compliance requirements.

How many ports are designated for import of new trailers under this tariff line, and which authority notified them?

Eighteen ports are designated — 11 seaports, 3 air cargo complexes and 4 ICDs — notified under DGFT Notification 18/2015-20 dated 12-07-2018 as amended by DGFT Notification 59/2023 dated 12-02-2024.

Can second-hand trailers be imported through any of the 18 designated ports?

No. Second-hand vehicles under this tariff line are permitted only through Mumbai port, per condition 1 of ITC (HS) Chapter 87; clearance at any other notified port will be refused.

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