India IT Equipment Import Requirements
Electrical machinery and equipment, including telecommunications equipment, are among the top 10 imports in India.
However, if you’re looking to import into India, you must be aware of the regulatory complexities that you need to navigate before gaining market access.
Let’s discuss the requirements for importing IT equipment into India, and why a technology IOR like Blackthorne is essential.
Import Requirements for IT Equipment in India
Here are the three main requirements to fulfil when importing technology equipment into India:
1. Technical Requirements
Here are the five main controls governing the importation of IT equipment into India:
Equipment Type Approval (ETA)
Licence-exempt wireless devices must have a WPC Import Licence obtained via the government’s Saral Sanchar portal before being legally imported, sold, or used in the Indian market.
Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE)
All telecom equipment and networking hardware (e.g., firewalls, switches, routers, and gateways) must be tested and certified by a TEC-accredited laboratory to ensure that they meet India’s safety and performance standards.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Certification
Non-telecom IT products, such as servers, desktops, and laptops, must be tested and certified in a BIS-accredited laboratory to meet India’s performance, safety, and quality standards.
ITSAR Compliance
Imported telecommunication equipment must adhere to the ITSAR security controls set by the National Center for Communication Security (NCCS)
Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)
Domestic and foreign manufacturers must obtain a registration number from BIS for electronic equipment listed under the CRS after successfully proving compliance with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) standards.
2. Customs Requirements
Importing technology equipment into India requires compliance with customs regulations under the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
Customs Declarations
You must declare all imports through the Indian Customs Electronic Data Interchange System (ECES). You must also file a Bill of Entry with supporting documentation through a licensed customs broker or IOR representative.
Required Documentation
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading/airway bill
- Import Export Code (IEC)
- Relevant licences and certifications
Duties and Taxes
- Basic Customs Duty (BCD): Ranges from 0% to 20% depending on the HS code classification
- Integrated GST: 18% Goods and Service Tax (GST), calculated on the total value of shipment (cost of goods + shipping + duties)
- Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS): Rated at 10% of the payable customs duties
3. Compliance Requirements
MTCTE Compliance
- Certificate of Mandatory Conformance (CMC): You must receive a CMC (valid for 10 years) for a successful MTCTE testing as proof of conformity.
- ETA certificate application: You should apply and download your ETA certificate via the SARAL Sanchar Portal on a self-declaration basis.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): ETA holders must obtain a NOC certificate or any relevant clearances from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) before wireless equipment importation.
- Marking: Certified equipment must visibly bear a mark with the certification number, MTCTE logo, part number, and QR code.
BIS Compliance
- BIS licence: Equipment regulated under BIS must be tested and issued a BIS registration certificate based on self-declaration of conformity
- Marking: Certified products must display the BIS mark on the product and its packaging, alongside the certification number and Indian standard.
NCCS Security Certification
Telecommunication Equipment must be tested against relevant ITARs and issued a security certificate based on NCCS Certification procedures.
Import with an IOR
Use our online calculator to see how much it costs to ship to the USA with Blackthorne IT
Why Import into India with a Technology IOR
It can be challenging to navigate the given technical requirements when importing IT equipment to India without regulatory expertise.
As a technology importer of record, Blackthorne ensures a simple yet compliant importation by handling the following key procedures:
Import/Export Licensing
We identify and adhere to all applicable import and export licensing requirements to facilitate customs clearance.
Pre-import and Post-Import compliance
From logistics management to payment of duties and taxes to record Keeping, we ensure end-to-end compliance to avoid unnecessary costs.
Equipment maintenance and support
Licences expire, equipment demands maintenance and quality must be maintained. You can count on our technical team in various parts of the world for physical and virtual support services.
Import into India with Blackthorne IOR Services
Email us at sales@blackthorneit.com or call us today to start importing into India compliantly and cost-efficiently.
