Other

Unmanned aircraft (drones), other than specified categories

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 8806 99 00 (Unmanned aircraft, other) is subject to Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) import policy under Revised Policy Condition No. 3 of Chapter 88, which prohibits import of drones in Completely-Built-Up (CBU), Semi-Knocked-Down (SKD), or Completely-Knocked-Down (CKD) form except for defined exempt categories. Exempt categories — government entities, government-recognised educational institutions, government-recognised R&D entities, drone manufacturers for R&D, and defence and security users — require a DGFT import authorisation issued in consultation with the concerned line ministries.

What this is

HSN code

8806 99 00

Chapter

88 · Aircraft, spacecraft and parts thereof

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) Prohibited import policy with exemptions, Chapter 88, Policy Condition No. 3

Customs documentation

Import authorisation from DGFT
Line ministry consultation letter from DGFT
Entity eligibility declaration to CBIC

Compliance steps

1
Verify whether the importing entity falls within an exempt category — government entity, government-recognised educational institution, government-recognised R&D entity, drone manufacturer importing for R&D, or a defence and security user. All other importers face an absolute prohibition on CBU, SKD, and CKD drone imports under Revised Policy Condition No. 3 of Chapter 88.
DGFT Notification 54/2015-20 dated 09-02-2022 · ITC (HS) Chapter 88, Revised Policy Condition No. 3
2
If eligible, apply for and obtain a DGFT import authorisation issued in consultation with the concerned line ministries before the bill of entry is filed. The authorisation is specific to the category of use (R&D or defence and security) and the consignment cannot be cleared without it.
DGFT Notification 54/2015-20 dated 09-02-2022 · ITC (HS) Chapter 88, Revised Policy Condition No. 3

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming that importing drone components rather than assembled units avoids the prohibition — it does. Drone components are classified as Free under Policy Condition No. 3, but any assembled or partially assembled drone unit in CBU, SKD, or CKD form that does not originate from an eligible entity will be detained and subject to confiscation. Eligibility must be established before shipment, not at the port of clearance, because no retrospective grant of import authorisation is available after the bill of entry is presented.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8806 99 00 require BIS certification?

No, unmanned aircraft under this tariff line are not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under Revised Policy Condition No. 3 of Chapter 88, which prohibits CBU, SKD, and CKD drone imports except for eligible entities holding a DGFT import authorisation.

Are drone components also prohibited under this policy condition?

No. Import of drone components is classified as Free under Revised Policy Condition No. 3 of Chapter 88 per DGFT Notification 54/2015-20 dated 09-02-2022; only complete or knocked-down drone units fall under the prohibition.

What happens if a consignment is imported without a DGFT import authorisation by a non-eligible entity?

The consignment is liable to seizure and confiscation under the Customs Act, 1962 as a Prohibited import, with no facility for regularisation after the bill of entry is filed under an incorrect policy claim.

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