Aeroplanes and other aircraft, of an unladen weight exceeding 15,000 kg.

Large aeroplanes and aircraft exceeding 15,000 kg unladen weight

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 8802 40 00 (aeroplanes and other aircraft exceeding 15,000 kg unladen weight) is subject to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy under Policy Condition 1 to Chapter 88, with import requiring either an import licence from DGFT or a No Objection Certificate issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). DGFT Notification 21/2015-20 dated 31-08-2021 defines the categories of importers who may bring in aircraft — including used and second-hand aircraft — without a DGFT import licence, provided a DGCA NOC is held.

What this is

HSN code

8802 40 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 import of aircraft from DGCA
Import Licence from DGFT
ITC (HS) policy compliance declaration

Compliance steps

1
Confirm whether the importing entity qualifies under the licence-exempt categories in Policy Condition 1 to Chapter 88 — Air India, Pawan Hans Limited, Airports Authority of India, IGRUA or a recognised flying club or academy, an IFSC-based aircraft leasing entity, or any person or entity holding 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 filing the bill of entry.
Policy Condition 1 to Chapter 88 · DGFT Notification 21/2015-20 dated 31-08-2021
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. Customs out-of-charge will not be granted until the mandatory document is verified in e-Sanchit.
Policy Condition 1 to Chapter 88 · 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 institutional status alone — for instance, being a recognised flying academy — automatically satisfies the import-clearance requirement without a current DGCA NOC on file. The exemption from the DGFT import licence is conditional on the NOC, not a substitute for it; a consignment arriving without document code 911DA3 uploaded in e-Sanchit will be detained at the port of import pending regularisation, accruing demurrage and ground rent on an asset of exceptional value.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8802 40 00 require BIS certification?

No, large commercial aircraft are not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime; no BIS QCO covers this product family. Import 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 a DGCA No Objection Certificate as the operative clearance instrument.

Does the licence exemption under DGFT Notification 21/2015-20 apply to used or second-hand aircraft?

Yes. The licence-exempt categories under Policy Condition 1 to Chapter 88 explicitly cover used and second-hand aircraft and helicopters, provided the importing entity holds a valid DGCA NOC and falls within one of the enumerated categories.

What happens if an entity not listed in Policy Condition 1 attempts to import an aircraft without a DGFT licence?

Import without either a DGFT import licence or a qualifying DGCA NOC constitutes an unauthorised restricted-import, exposing the consignment to seizure and the importer to monetary penalty and prosecution under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992.

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