Astronomical instruments

Astronomical instruments and optical telescope mountings

CDSCO CLEARANCE · MOHFW CLEARANCE

HSN 9005 80 20 (Astronomical instruments) is subject to Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) registration requirements under G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020, issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW), where the instrument falls within the listed medical devices. Importers must confirm whether their specific astronomical instrument is captured within the G.S.R. 102(E) device listing before filing the bill of entry.

What this is

HSN code

9005 80 20

Chapter

90 · Optical, photographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments

Primary regulator

CDSCO · Medical Devices Rules, 2017 per G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020

Customs documentation

Registration certificate from CDSCO
Import licence from CDSCO

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

CDSCOCDSCO·Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation

MOHFWMOHFW·Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Compliance steps

1
Determine whether the specific astronomical instrument falls within the medical device listing under G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020. If listed, obtain CDSCO registration before filing the bill of entry; unregistered import of a listed medical device attracts seizure and prosecution under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
2
Upload the CDSCO registration certificate in e-Sanchit and ensure all conditions specified in G.S.R. 102(E) are met at the bill of entry stage. The proper officer will verify mandatory document uploads before granting out-of-charge.
G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare · CDSCO registration conditions

A word of counsel

The single most common error on this tariff line is importing without first confirming whether the specific astronomical instrument is captured within G.S.R. 102(E)'s medical device listing — the HSN itself covers non-medical optical instruments, but the MOHFW notification applies a device-specific scope overlay. An instrument cleared as a non-medical optical device that is subsequently found to fall within the G.S.R. 102(E) listing attracts confiscation and retrospective registration enforcement by CDSCO.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 9005 80 20 require BIS certification?

No, no BIS Quality Control Order covers this product family. Where the astronomical instrument falls within the medical device listing under G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020, import is governed by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation under the Medical Devices Rules, 2017 as notified by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Does the CDSCO registration requirement apply to all astronomical instruments under this HSN?

No. The CDSCO registration obligation applies only to instruments that are specifically listed in G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020; astronomical instruments used purely for non-medical purposes and not captured in that notification are not subject to CDSCO registration.

What are the consequences of importing a listed medical device under this HSN without CDSCO registration?

Import of a G.S.R. 102(E)-listed medical device without CDSCO registration constitutes a violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, exposing the consignment to seizure and the importer to prosecution and monetary penalty.

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