Importing Technology Products into India

In recent years the Indian Government has made it easier for imports to get into the country, with many goods being freely imported under the Open General License under India EXIM Policy. This attempts to open up trade routes, and have goods in-country that aid the ability for the country to grow in many sectors.

India has always been ambitious in their role in the world, both in the financial, technological and service industries. They are working towards being an international tech powerhouse, wanting to entice large technology companies into building manufacturing centres, creating revenue and jobs. 

India's second largest import is electronic equipment, and this has driven them to introduce a number of rules and regulations relating to the use and safety of any electrical items entering the country. Under The Department of Electronics for computer and computer-related systems, products of this nature must go through a number of checks and certification to be import-ready for the Indian market.

Furthermore VAT is now charged on services used within the country which are provided by an international company - this applies to IOR Services.

BIS Certification

The Bureau of Indian Standards is the authority that presides over the BIS Certification Process. The purpose of the certification is to ensure goods entering the Indian market are safe, reliable and of high quality.

BIS certification is the umbrella legislation over the standard, formulation, testing and marking of goods. Manufacturers wishing to have their goods sold into the Indian market must go through processes to get their products BIS Certificates. Whilst the certification is deemed as voluntary, the Government of India has made it mandatory for many products, most of which are within the IT arena.

MTCTE certification

This is separate to BIS. However, BIS certificates can be accepted as part of the MTCTE process.

From 1 August 2019, certification of all telecom equipment sold or imported into India will be mandatory under MTCTE (Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment). The Telecom Equipment Certification (TEC) is valid for five years from TEC-accredited labs.

Importers of telecom equipment to India can read the full MTCTE Procedures here. 

This is a phased certification that will see networking equipment eligible later in 2023/24. As of 1st April 2024 there was a partial modification and extension for a subset of products for mandotory certification, so always check with your broker about what is required to import into India.

ETA Certification

The Wireless Planning & Coordination Wing (WPC) is a part of the Department of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Communications of the Government of India. Part of their responsibility is the Equipment Type Approval (ETA), which is required for the import of any goods that contain wireless functionality into India, to ensure that rules around wireless frequency of all types are followed. Manufacturers must go through the WPC approval by submitting their products for testing and review. 

Mouse & Bear fully expect this to have an impact on customers’ ability to import into India, depending on how prepared vendors are for these new import requirements. For equipment that does have the new certification, checks may delay the clearance process initially. 

Find out how we can help streamline your imports to India. Please send us a few details of your query using the enquiry form below.

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