Indian import policy
As of 2026-11: most automation hardware is 'Free' under ITC(HS). Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear items (IEC 60947 family, e.g. contactors, some sensors/switches) fall under the LV switchgear/controlgear QCO (research file) — check each item; PLCs and servo drives are not, to our knowledge, covered. Devices with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/cellular modules need WPC Equipment Type Approval. The machinery safety OTR was reported repealed on 14 Jan 2026 (confirm). Sources: research/02-indian-imports.md; https://www.bis.gov.in/product-certification/products-under-compulsory-certification/; https://saralsanchar.gov.in.
Check the current DGFT, BIS and CBIC notifications before contracting.
Importing industrial automation: plcs, sensors, servo drives & hmis 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 |
| Mandatory BIS certification | BIS / DPIIT & line ministries | BIS licence (ISI, FMCS for foreign plants) or CRS registration |
| Compulsory Registration Scheme | BIS | CRS registration (Scheme-II) per model/factory |
| Import permit before shipment | DPPQS (Plant Quarantine) | Import permit PQ-01/PQ-02; PSC with additional declarations |
| Equipment Type Approval | DoT WPC via SARAL Sanchar | ETA self-declaration + import undertaking |
| Duty deferment | CBIC (Customs Act s.65) | MOOWR bonded warehouse licence |
| Trusted trader status | CBIC | AEO-T1/T2/T3/LO |
Import trend
DGFT 'Machinery, electrical & non-electrical' FY25 53,539 -> FY26 61,730 (+15.3%) (group is broader than electrical); Comtrade ch.84 USD 70.69 bn, ch.85 USD 100.54 bn CY2025
Where Indian buyers are
Maharashtra — Pune, Mumbai, Nashik. Machine builders, automotive plants, panel builders
Gujarat — Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot. Machine builders, chemicals and pharma plants
Tamil Nadu — Chennai, Coimbatore. Automotive, pumps and textile machinery builders
Karnataka — Bengaluru. Machine tools, aerospace, system integrators
Haryana — Gurugram, Manesar, Faridabad. Automotive and component plants
Frequently asked questions
Do PLCs and servo drives need BIS certification for import into India?
PLCs and servo drives are not, to our knowledge, under a BIS QCO, but low-voltage switchgear and controlgear items such as contactors and some switches are. Check each part number against the current QCO list.
Do wireless-enabled automation devices need WPC approval?
Yes. Devices with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or cellular modules need Equipment Type Approval from DoT's WPC wing through the SARAL Sanchar portal before import.
How do I avoid counterfeit PLC modules?
Buy from the manufacturer's authorised channel, check serial numbers and firmware with the manufacturer, and test refurbished spares before installing them.
Which HS code applies to PLCs?
PLCs are usually classified under HS 8537.10, servo motors under 8501, drives under 8504.40 and proximity switches under 8536.50.
Can you supply discontinued automation spares?
Obsolete modules can often be sourced from surplus or refurbished stock, but traceability and functional testing are essential before supply.
Import routes
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