Animal drawn vehicles

Animal drawn vehicles, non-mechanically propelled

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 8716 80 20 (Animal drawn vehicles) is subject to ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy conditions administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), including a designated-port restriction and Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 compliance requirements. Import of new vehicles is permitted only through 18 notified seaports, airports, and inland container depots; second-hand vehicles are further restricted to Mumbai port alone.

What this is

HSN code

8716 80 20

Chapter

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

Primary regulator

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

Customs documentation

Homologation certificate from approved authority
Type approval from designated authority
ITC (HS) policy compliance from DGFT

Compliance steps

1
Route the consignment exclusively through one of the 18 notified ports of entry: 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. Arrival at any non-notified port renders the consignment liable to detention and re-export.
DGFT Notification 18/2015-20 dated 12-07-2018; DGFT Notification 59/2023 dated 12-02-2024
2
Ensure the vehicle carries a valid Homologation Certificate or type approval per Condition 7 of Chapter 87 of the ITC (HS), and verify compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and its Rules — including right-hand drive configuration, kilometre speedometer calibration, and photometric standards for headlamps — before filing the bill of entry.
ITC (HS) Conditions 1, 2 and 7 of Chapter 87; Motor Vehicles Act, 1988

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is overlooking the additional port restriction for second-hand vehicles: while new animal drawn vehicles may enter through any of the 18 notified ports, second-hand vehicles are restricted solely to Mumbai port under Condition 1 of Chapter 87. Clearing a used vehicle through any other notified port — even Nhava Sheva or Chennai — constitutes a policy violation, attracting confiscation and monetary penalty under the Customs Act, 1962.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8716 80 20 require BIS certification?

No, animal drawn vehicles 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 mandatory designated-port restriction and Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 compliance requirements.

Are second-hand animal drawn vehicles subject to a different port restriction than new vehicles?

Yes. Second-hand vehicles under this tariff line are permitted only through Mumbai port under Condition 1 of Chapter 87, whereas new vehicles may be imported through any of the 18 notified seaports, airports, and ICDs per DGFT Notification 59/2023 dated 12-02-2024.

What happens if the Homologation Certificate or type approval is absent at the time of filing the bill of entry?

The absence of a valid Homologation Certificate or type approval under Condition 7 of Chapter 87 prevents out-of-charge clearance; the consignment is liable to detention, and continued non-compliance may result in re-export or confiscation under the Customs Act, 1962.

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