Acupuncture apparatus

Acupuncture apparatus for medical use

CDSCO CLEARANCE · MOHFW CLEARANCE

HSN 9018 90 43 (Acupuncture apparatus) 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), which governs the import of listed medical devices. No consignment may be cleared at the bill of entry without valid CDSCO registration; additional CBIC customs instructions apply to imports of old or refurbished equipment under this tariff line.

What this is

HSN code

9018 90 43

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
Import licence from CDSCO
Compliance declaration from MOHFW

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

CDSCOCDSCO·Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation

MOHFWMOHFW·Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Compliance steps

1
Obtain a valid CDSCO registration for the acupuncture apparatus under G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020 before filing the bill of entry. The registration must cover the specific device and must be current; consignments arriving without a corresponding CDSCO registration are liable to detention and confiscation.
G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020 · Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notification
2
If the acupuncture apparatus is imported in an old or refurbished state, verify that the equipment appears on the permitted list under CBIC Instruction 08/2024-Customs dated 05-04-2024 and CBIC Instruction 25/2024-Customs dated 28-10-2024 before shipment. Import of old or refurbished medical equipment not covered by those instructions is not permitted.
CBIC Instruction 08/2024-Customs dated 05-04-2024 · CBIC Instruction 25/2024-Customs dated 28-10-2024

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming that a CDSCO registration for a related medical device category extends to acupuncture apparatus. The G.S.R. 102(E) registration is device-specific; a registration covering electromedical or other instruments and appliances does not automatically authorise import of acupuncture apparatus, and a mismatch between the registered device and the imported goods exposes the consignment to detention and monetary penalty under the Medical Devices Rules.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 9018 90 43 require BIS certification?

No, no BIS Quality Control Order covers acupuncture apparatus under this tariff line. Import is governed by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation under G.S.R. 102(E) dated 11-02-2020 issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, with CDSCO registration as the operative pre-clearance requirement.

Can acupuncture apparatus be imported in a refurbished or second-hand condition?

Only if the specific equipment is listed in the permitted schedule under CBIC Instruction 08/2024-Customs dated 05-04-2024, as updated by CBIC Instruction 25/2024-Customs dated 28-10-2024; equipment not appearing on that list may not be imported in old or refurbished condition.

What happens if the CDSCO registration has expired at the time of import?

An expired registration is treated as non-compliance with the conditions of G.S.R. 102(E), rendering the consignment liable to detention at the port, ground rent, and potential confiscation under the Medical Devices Rules until a valid registration is produced or the goods are re-exported.

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