Other microscopes

Compound optical microscopes, other types

CDSCO CLEARANCE · MOHFW CLEARANCE · +1 OTHER PGAS

HSN 9011 80 00 (Other microscopes) is subject to Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) registration 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 notified medical-device categories. Import of high-end used or refurbished medical equipment is separately restricted under a Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MEFCC) Office Memorandum dated 15-12-2023.

What this is

HSN code

9011 80 00

Chapter

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

Primary regulator

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

Customs documentation

Registration certificate from CDSCO
MOHFW notification compliance from importer
MEFCC clearance from MEFCC

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

CDSCOCDSCO·Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation

MOHFWMOHFW·Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

MEFCCMEFCC·Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Compliance steps

1
Determine whether the specific microscope model falls within the notified medical-device categories listed in G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020. If it does, obtain the requisite CDSCO registration covering that device category before filing the bill of entry, as import without valid registration attracts detention and confiscation.
G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020 issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
2
If importing a high-end, high-value used or refurbished microscope that qualifies as medical equipment (other than critical care medical equipment), comply with the conditions prescribed in the MEFCC Office Memorandum dated 15-12-2023. Non-compliance with those conditions renders the consignment liable to restricted-import enforcement.
O.M. issued by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change dated 15-12-2023

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming the CDSCO regime does not apply because the instrument is described as a laboratory or industrial microscope rather than a clinical one. Whether CDSCO registration is required turns on whether the specific model falls within the notified device list under G.S.R. 102(E); a scope-of-listing determination should be obtained from CDSCO before the purchase order is placed, not at port, where a wrong assumption results in consignment detention and demurrage.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 9011 80 00 require BIS certification?

No, compound optical microscopes under this tariff line are not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation under G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020 where the device falls within the notified medical-device categories, with an additional MEFCC overlay for high-end used or refurbished equipment.

Does the CDSCO registration requirement apply to all microscopes under this HSN or only to specific categories?

Only to those instruments that fall within the notified medical-device categories listed in G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020; microscopes used solely for non-medical laboratory or industrial purposes that are outside that notified list are not subject to CDSCO registration under that notification.

What restrictions apply to importing used or refurbished high-end microscopes classified as medical equipment?

Import of high-end, high-value used or refurbished medical equipment other than critical care medical equipment is restricted and subject to the conditions set out in the MEFCC Office Memorandum dated 15-12-2023; the consignment must satisfy those conditions before out-of-charge is granted.

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