Hand propelled vehicles (e.g. hand carts, rickshaws and the like)

Hand propelled vehicles (hand carts, rickshaws and similar)

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 8716 80 10 (Hand propelled vehicles) is subject to ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under Notification 18/2015-20 dated 12-07-2018 and Notification 59/2023 dated 12-02-2024, which confine import of new vehicles to 18 designated seaports, airports, and ICDs. Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 compliance — including homologation certification and right-hand drive verification — applies as an additional technical overlay at the bill of entry.

What this is

HSN code

8716 80 10

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 competent authority
ITC (HS) policy compliance from DGFT
Right-hand drive declaration to CBIC

Compliance steps

1
Confirm the consignment is routed through one of the 18 designated ports: seaports — Nhava Sheva, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ennore, Cochin, Kattupalli, APM Terminals Pipavav, Krishnapatnam, Vishakhapatnam, or Mundra; airports — Mumbai Air Cargo Complex, Delhi Air Cargo, or Chennai Airport; or ICDs — Talegaon Pune, Tughlakabad, Faridabad, or Garhi Harsaru. Diversion to an unnotified port renders the consignment liable to detention.
DGFT Notification 18/2015-20 dated 12-07-2018; DGFT Notification 59/2023 dated 12-02-2024
2
At the bill of entry, produce the Homologation Certificate (or Type Approval per Condition 7 of Chapter 87) and verify compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 requirements: right-hand drive configuration, kilometre-calibrated speedometer, and photometry of head lamps.
ITC (HS) Chapter 87, Conditions 1, 2 and 7; Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
3
If the import involves second-hand vehicles, note that import is permitted only through Mumbai port subject to ITC (HS) Condition 1 of Chapter 87. Ensure the second-hand status is declared on the bill of entry and that no other port is used for such consignments.
ITC (HS) Chapter 87, Condition 1; DGFT Notification 18/2015-20 dated 12-07-2018

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming that ITC (HS) Conditions 1 and 2 apply uniformly to all hand-propelled vehicle categories and overlooking Condition 7, which permits a Type Approval certificate as an alternative to the standard Homologation Certificate. Presenting a homologation document that does not correspond to the specific vehicle configuration — particularly where the unit lacks a kilometre-calibrated speedometer or compliant head-lamp photometry — triggers physical examination and detention, converting a routine clearance into extended demurrage at the designated port.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8716 80 10 require BIS certification?

No, hand propelled vehicles under this tariff line 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, with port restriction and Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 technical compliance as operative requirements.

Can a Type Approval certificate substitute for a Homologation Certificate at the bill of entry?

Yes. ITC (HS) Chapter 87 Condition 7 explicitly permits a Type Approval certificate as an alternative to the Homologation Certificate; both documents must cover the exact vehicle configuration presented for import.

Are second-hand hand-propelled vehicles permitted through all 18 designated ports?

No. Second-hand vehicles are restricted to Mumbai port only, subject to ITC (HS) Condition 1 of Chapter 87; presenting a second-hand consignment at any other designated port renders it liable to seizure.

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