Indian import policy
As of 2026-11: new CNC machine tools are 'Free' under ITC(HS) with no broad BIS QCO (research file). The Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order 2024, which would have required BIS certification for many machine categories from 1 Sep 2026, was reported repealed on 14 Jan 2026 (ICE New Delhi; single source — confirm in the Gazette). Second-hand capital goods need a chartered-engineer certificate per DGFT rules. Sources: research/02-indian-imports.md; https://www.ice.it/it/sites/default/files/inline-files/Gennaio%202026%20-%20Flash%20News.pdf; https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=itchs-import-export.
Check the current DGFT, BIS and CBIC notifications before contracting.
Importing cnc machine tools into India: requirements
| Requirement | Authority | Document |
|---|---|---|
| Importer-Exporter Code; GST; ICEGATE | DGFT / GSTN / CBIC | IEC; GSTIN; ICEGATE DSC registration |
| Import policy classification | DGFT | ITC(HS) policy: Free/Restricted/Prohibited/STE; import authorisation if Restricted |
| Customs declaration & duty | CBIC / ICEGATE | Bill of Entry; BCD + AIDC + SWS(10% of BCD) + IGST |
| Duty deferment | CBIC (Customs Act s.65) | MOOWR bonded warehouse licence |
| Trusted trader status | CBIC | AEO-T1/T2/T3/LO |
Import trend
DGFT 'Machine tools' group FY25 5,662 -> FY26 6,484 (+14.5%); imports ~59% of consumption (Rs 18,686 cr vs production Rs 14,566 cr, Ken Research)
Where Indian buyers are
Tamil Nadu — Coimbatore, Chennai, Hosur. Auto components, pumps, textile-machinery parts, aerospace
Maharashtra — Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Nashik. Automotive OEMs and Tier-1/2 suppliers
Karnataka — Bengaluru, Belagavi. Aerospace, defence and precision engineering
Gujarat — Rajkot, Ahmedabad. MSME job shops, auto parts, pumps and engines
Haryana / Punjab — Faridabad, Gurugram, Ludhiana. Two-wheeler and tractor component makers
Frequently asked questions
Do CNC machines need BIS certification to be imported into India?
There is no broad BIS QCO on machine tools. The machinery safety Omnibus Technical Regulation that was due from September 2026 was reported repealed in January 2026; confirm the current position in the Gazette before shipping.
Can I import a used CNC machine into India?
Second-hand capital goods can generally be imported, but DGFT rules require supporting documents such as a chartered-engineer certificate on the machine's condition and value. Check the current Foreign Trade Policy provisions before buying.
Which countries supply most CNC machines to India?
Japan supplied about 47% of India's machining-centre imports in 2024, followed by China, Germany, Taiwan, South Korea and Italy.
What tests should be done before a CNC machine ships?
A factory acceptance test cutting your test part, with laser and ballbar accuracy reports, then a site acceptance test after installation in India.
Do high-end 5-axis machines need export licences?
Some high-precision machine tools are dual-use items under the Wassenaar Arrangement, so the exporting country may require an end-user certificate or licence. The supplier will say whether your model is affected.
Import routes
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