Of an unladen weight exceeding 2,000 kg.

Helicopters and aeroplanes exceeding 2,000 kg unladen weight

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 8802 12 00 (helicopters and aeroplanes of an unladen weight exceeding 2,000 kg) is subject to the ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under Policy Condition 1 to Chapter 88, as amended by DGFT Notification 21/2015-20 dated 31-08-2021. Import without a DGFT licence is permitted only for a defined category of eligible operators — including scheduled carriers, IFSC-based leasing entities, and DGCA-NOC holders — and a No Objection Certificate from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is the operative gate document at the bill of entry.

What this is

HSN code

8802 12 00

Chapter

88 · Aircraft, spacecraft and parts thereof

Primary regulator

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

Customs documentation

NOC for aircraft import from DGCA
Import Licence from DGFT
ITC (HS) eligibility declaration to CBIC

Compliance steps

1
Confirm the importing entity falls within the eligible-operator categories under Policy Condition 1 to Chapter 88: Air India, Pawan Hans Limited, Airports Authority of India, IGRUA or a Ministry of Civil Aviation-recognised flying club or academy, an IFSC-based aircraft leasing entity, or any person granted a DGCA NOC for scheduled, scheduled commuter, non-scheduled air transport services, or aerial work operations. Entities outside these categories must obtain a DGFT import licence before the bill of entry.
Policy Condition 1 to Chapter 88 · DGFT Notification 21/2015-20 dated 31-08-2021
2
Upload the No Objection Certificate for Import/Procurement of Aircraft/Helicopter for Operating Air Transport Services (document code 911DA3) in e-Sanchit before filing the bill of entry. Customs out-of-charge will not be granted until this document is verified in e-Sanchit.
DGFT Notification 21/2015-20 dated 31-08-2021 · document code 911DA3

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming that the DGCA NOC for air operator certification or airworthiness doubles as the DGCA NOC for import — they are distinct instruments. The import-specific NOC (document code 911DA3) must be obtained separately and uploaded in e-Sanchit; a consignment arriving with a valid air operator permit but without the import NOC will be detained at the port of entry pending regularisation, attracting demurrage and ground rent on what are typically high-value assets.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8802 12 00 require BIS certification?

No. No BIS Quality Control Order covers this product family. Import of helicopters and aeroplanes exceeding 2,000 kg unladen weight is governed by the ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under Policy Condition 1 to Chapter 88, with DGCA NOC as the operative gate document.

Can a private charter operator or non-scheduled carrier import under the DGCA NOC route without a DGFT licence?

Yes, provided the operator has been granted a DGCA NOC specifically for import of aircraft or helicopters for non-scheduled air transport services or aerial work operations, as that grant satisfies Policy Condition 1 to Chapter 88 per DGFT Notification 21/2015-20 dated 31-08-2021.

Does the licence-free route apply to used or second-hand aircraft?

Yes. Policy Condition 1 to Chapter 88 explicitly covers used and second-hand aircraft and helicopters; eligible-operator status, not the condition of the aircraft, determines whether a DGFT import licence is required.

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