Rangefinders

Rangefinders for surveying and measurement applications

CDSCO CLEARANCE · MOHFW CLEARANCE

HSN 9015 10 00 (Rangefinders) is subject to Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) registration under the Medical Devices Rules, 2017, where the device falls within the scope of G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020 issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW). Import is conditional on compliance with all registration and licensing requirements stipulated in that notification, including CDSCO device registration prior to the bill of entry.

What this is

HSN code

9015 10 00

Chapter

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

Primary regulator

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

Customs documentation

Device registration certificate from CDSCO
Import licence from CDSCO
MOHFW notification compliance declaration

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

CDSCOCDSCO·Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation

MOHFWMOHFW·Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Compliance steps

1
Verify that the specific rangefinder model falls within the list of medical devices notified under G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020. If it does, obtain the mandatory CDSCO device registration and import licence before filing the bill of entry; unregistered devices are subject to detention and confiscation at the port of import.
G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare · Medical Devices Rules, 2017
2
Upload the CDSCO device registration certificate and import licence in e-Sanchit at the bill of entry stage. Ensure all conditions of registration specified in G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020 — including labelling, authorised Indian representative appointment, and post-market surveillance obligations — are met before seeking out-of-charge.
G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020 · Medical Devices Rules, 2017

A word of counsel

The most frequent error on this tariff line is importing rangefinders without first confirming whether the specific model is classified as a medical device under G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020. Rangefinders used in surveying, construction, and industrial applications may not attract CDSCO registration, while an optometric or ophthalmological rangefinder falls squarely within the notified medical-device list; filing without the correct CDSCO documentation for a notified device results in consignment detention and potential confiscation under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 9015 10 00 require BIS certification?

No, rangefinders under this tariff line are not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. Where the device qualifies as a medical device 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.

How do I determine whether my rangefinder requires CDSCO registration under G.S.R. 102(E)?

Check whether the rangefinder is listed by intended use or device category in G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020; devices with a medical intended use — such as ophthalmic or optometric distance-measurement instruments — are notified, whereas purely industrial or surveying instruments generally are not.

What happens if a rangefinder is imported without the required CDSCO registration?

Import of a notified medical device without valid CDSCO registration and import licence constitutes a violation of the Medical Devices Rules, 2017 and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, exposing the consignment to seizure, confiscation, and monetary penalty, with potential criminal liability for the importer.

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