With maximum take-off weight more than 25 kg but not more than 150 kg

Unmanned aircraft (drones) 25 kg to 150 kg MTOW

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 8806 24 00 (unmanned aircraft with maximum take-off weight above 25 kg and up to 150 kg) is governed by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under Revised Policy Condition No. 03 of Chapter 88, which classifies CBU, SKD, and CKD drone imports as Prohibited except for narrow authorised categories. Import is permitted only upon import authorisation issued by DGFT in consultation with the concerned line ministries, and only for government entities, recognised educational or R&D institutions, drone manufacturers for R&D, or defence and security purposes.

What this is

HSN code

8806 24 00

Chapter

88 · Aircraft, spacecraft and parts thereof

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) Prohibited import policy, Revised Policy Condition No. 03, Chapter 88

Customs documentation

Import authorisation from DGFT
End-use declaration to CBIC
Ministry consultation clearance from DGFT

Compliance steps

1
Before placing any purchase order, confirm the importing entity falls within an authorised category — government entity, central or state government-recognised educational institution, government-recognised R&D entity, drone manufacturer for R&D, or defence and security procurer. CBU, SKD, and CKD drone imports outside these categories are Prohibited with no licence-available pathway.
DGFT Notification 54/2015-20 dated 09-02-2022 · Revised Policy Condition No. 03 of Chapter 88
2
Apply to DGFT for an import authorisation; DGFT will consult the concerned line ministries before issuance. Lodge the authorisation at the bill-of-entry stage; customs will not grant out-of-charge on a CBU, SKD, or CKD drone consignment without a valid DGFT import authorisation on record.
DGFT Notification 54/2015-20 dated 09-02-2022 · Revised Policy Condition No. 03 of Chapter 88

A word of counsel

The most consequential classification error on this tariff line is presenting a drone in SKD or CKD form as if it were a component shipment. Drone components imported separately are Free under Policy Condition No. 03, but a SKD or CKD kit — even partially disassembled — constitutes a drone in knocked-down form and is Prohibited without DGFT authorisation. A consignment misclassified as components that is found on examination to constitute a drone in CKD or SKD form is liable to confiscation and monetary penalty under the Customs Act, 1962.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8806 24 00 require BIS certification?

No, no BIS Quality Control Order covers this unmanned aircraft category. Import is governed entirely by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under Revised Policy Condition No. 03 of Chapter 88, which prohibits CBU, SKD, and CKD drone imports except for specified authorised categories holding a DGFT import authorisation.

Are drone components under this chapter also subject to the import prohibition?

No. Revised Policy Condition No. 03 of Chapter 88 explicitly categorises import of drone components as Free; only complete drones in CBU, SKD, or CKD form are Prohibited subject to the DGFT authorisation requirement.

What happens if a Prohibited drone consignment arrives without a DGFT import authorisation?

The consignment is liable to detention at the port of import; without a valid DGFT import authorisation the customs proper officer cannot grant out-of-charge, and the goods are subject to confiscation and monetary penalty under the Customs Act, 1962, with re-export at the importer's cost as the typical resolution.

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