Hydrographic instruments

Hydrographic surveying instruments and appliances

CDSCO CLEARANCE · MOHFW CLEARANCE

HSN 9015 80 10 (Hydrographic instruments) is subject to Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) registration under the Medical Devices Rules, 2017, where the instrument is listed in G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020 issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW). Imports of notified medical devices must comply with all registration conditions prescribed in G.S.R. 102(E) before the bill of entry is filed.

What this is

HSN code

9015 80 10

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
MOHFW compliance declaration

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

CDSCOCDSCO·Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation

MOHFWMOHFW·Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Compliance steps

1
Verify whether the specific hydrographic instrument falls within the list of medical devices notified under G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020. If listed, obtain CDSCO registration and satisfy all conditions prescribed therein before filing the bill of entry; importing a notified device without registration attracts seizure and prosecution under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020 issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare · Medical Devices Rules, 2017
2
Confirm whether the instrument incorporates any telecom or wireless functionality that falls within the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) list. If notified under MTCTE, ensure compliance with the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017 and DoT/TEC notifications F.No.5-2/2021-TC/TEC/131 dated 13-06-2022 and F.No.5-2/2024-TC/TEC (Pt.1) dated 25-02-2025 before import.
Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017 · DoT Notification TEC/01/2017-TC dated 04-07-2019 · F.No.5-2/2021-TC/TEC/131 dated 13-06-2022 · F.No.5-2/2024-TC/TEC (Pt.1) dated 25-02-2025

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming that all hydrographic instruments under HSN 9015 80 10 are outside the medical-device regime. CDSCO classification turns on intended use and product specification, not the tariff heading alone; an oceanographic or hydrological instrument repurposed or marketed for a diagnostic or therapeutic use may be captured by G.S.R. 102(E). Confirm the intended-use characterisation with CDSCO before procurement to avoid detention and mandatory re-export of an unregistered device at the port of entry.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 9015 80 10 require BIS certification?

No, no BIS Quality Control Order covers hydrographic instruments under this tariff line. Where the instrument 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 hydrographic instrument is covered by G.S.R. 102(E)?

Cross-reference the product specification and intended use against the device categories listed in G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020; if the instrument appears on that list, CDSCO registration and all conditions prescribed therein are mandatory before the bill of entry is filed.

What happens if the hydrographic instrument also contains a wireless or telecom module?

The instrument must additionally comply with the MTCTE mandatory-certification regime under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017, as updated by DoT/TEC notifications through F.No.5-2/2024-TC/TEC (Pt.1) dated 25-02-2025; import without the requisite MTCTE certificate renders the telecom-enabled equipment liable to detention and confiscation.

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