Of an unladen weight not exceeding 2,000 kg.

Helicopters and aeroplanes not exceeding 2,000 kg unladen weight

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 8802 11 00 (helicopters and aeroplanes of unladen weight not exceeding 2,000 kg) is subject to an ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under Policy Condition 1 to Chapter 88, read with DGFT Notification 21/2015-20 dated 31-08-2021. Import without a DGFT licence is permitted only for specified categories of operators — including scheduled carriers, flying academies recognised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and IFSC-based aircraft leasing entities — that hold a DGCA-issued No Objection Certificate.

What this is

HSN code

8802 11 00

Chapter

88 · Aircraft, spacecraft and parts thereof

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) Restricted import policy, Chapter 88 (Policy Condition 1)

Customs documentation

NOC for import of aircraft from DGCA
Import Licence from DGFT
Policy Condition 1 declaration to CBIC

Compliance steps

1
Verify that the importing entity falls within one of the licence-exempt categories under Policy Condition 1 to Chapter 88: Air India, Pawan Hans Limited, Airports Authority of India, IGRUA and MCA-recognised flying clubs or academies, IFSC-based aircraft leasing entities, or any person or entity holding a DGCA NOC for scheduled, scheduled commuter, non-scheduled air transport, or aerial work operations. All other importers must obtain a DGFT import licence before shipment.
DGFT Notification 21/2015-20 dated 31-08-2021 · Policy Condition 1 to Chapter 88 of ITC (HS)
2
Upload the DGCA No Objection Certificate for import or procurement of aircraft or helicopter for operating air transport services (document code 911DA3) in e-Sanchit before filing the bill of entry. The proper officer will verify this document prior to granting out-of-charge; consignments where the NOC is absent from e-Sanchit will be detained pending upload.
DGFT Notification 21/2015-20 dated 31-08-2021 · Policy Condition 1 to Chapter 88 of ITC (HS)

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming that a valid DGCA operating permit or air operator certificate is, by itself, sufficient for customs clearance. The operative customs-gate document is the DGCA-issued No Objection Certificate for import or procurement of aircraft specifically (document code 911DA3), which is distinct from general operating approvals. Filing the bill of entry without 911DA3 uploaded in e-Sanchit results in detention and accrual of demurrage and ground rent until the correct document is furnished.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8802 11 00 require BIS certification?

No. This tariff line is not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime; no BIS QCO covers civil aircraft or helicopters. Import is governed by the ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy under DGFT Policy Condition 1 to Chapter 88, with a DGCA No Objection Certificate as the operative gate document.

Which entities may import under this HSN without obtaining a DGFT import licence?

Air India, Pawan Hans Limited, Airports Authority of India, IGRUA and other MCA-recognised flying clubs or academies, IFSC-based aircraft leasing entities, and any person or entity holding a DGCA NOC for scheduled, non-scheduled, or aerial work operations are exempt from the licence requirement per DGFT Notification 21/2015-20.

Does the licence exemption apply equally to used or second-hand aircraft?

Yes. The CCR and Policy Condition 1 to Chapter 88 explicitly extend the licence-exempt categories to used and second-hand aircraft and helicopters, provided the importing entity otherwise qualifies and holds the requisite DGCA NOC.

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