Theodolities and tachymeters (tacheometers)

Surveying theodolites and tachymeters (tacheometers)

CDSCO CLEARANCE · MOHFW CLEARANCE

HSN 9015 20 00 (Theodolites and tachymeters) is subject to Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) registration under the Medical Devices Rules, 2017, where the device is listed in G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020 issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW). Importers must comply with all conditions specified in that notification, including CDSCO registration, before filing the bill of entry.

What this is

HSN code

9015 20 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

Registration certificate from CDSCO
Import licence from CDSCO
Compliance declaration per MOHFW

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

CDSCOCDSCO·Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation

MOHFWMOHFW·Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Compliance steps

1
Verify whether the specific theodolite or tachymeter model falls within the scope of devices listed in G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020. Where it does, obtain the required CDSCO registration and ensure all conditions specified in that notification are satisfied before the bill of entry is filed.
G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020 issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
2
Upload the CDSCO registration certificate and any other MOHFW-notified compliance documentation in e-Sanchit at the bill of entry stage. Consignments presented without the mandatory PGA clearance documentation are liable to detention pending customs verification.
G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020 · Medical Devices Rules, 2017

A word of counsel

The critical error on this tariff line is assuming all surveying theodolites and tachymeters are outside the medical-device regime and importing without confirming G.S.R. 102(E) applicability. Where a device model falls within that notification's listed categories, importing without CDSCO registration constitutes a violation of the Medical Devices Rules, 2017 — attracting consignment detention, possible confiscation, and monetary penalty — regardless of the instrument's primary surveying application.

Need a regulatory steer on this product?

Speak to a regulatory counsel about your specific HSN, IS, and supplier situation.

Speak to an Expert

Frequently asked

Does HSN 9015 20 00 require BIS certification?

No, no BIS Quality Control Order covers theodolites or tachymeters under this tariff line. Where the device falls within the scope of G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020, import is instead governed by Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation registration under the Medical Devices Rules, 2017.

How does an importer determine whether a specific theodolite or tachymeter model is covered by G.S.R. 102(E)?

The importer must cross-reference the device's intended use and technical description against the device categories listed in G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020; where any doubt exists, a pre-import classification query to CDSCO is advisable to avoid detention at the port.

What happens if a consignment is imported without CDSCO registration where G.S.R. 102(E) applies?

The consignment is liable to detention and refusal of out-of-charge by customs; continued non-compliance with the Medical Devices Rules, 2017 can result in confiscation, monetary penalty, and criminal liability under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

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