How to Get BIS Exemption for Imported Electronic Equipment in India

To import the electronic equipment into India, compliance with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) is required. However, there are certain categories of equipment, especially industrial and technically complex products, that may qualify for exemption under specific conditions.

As per the latest amendment, which is issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) vide Notification S.O. 1246(E) dated 10 March 2026, the framework and structure for the Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE) exemption have been clearly and explicitly defined by the amending Paragraph 8 of the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021.

This guide explains the eligibility, documentation, and step-by-step process for obtaining a BIS exemption in India, along with a practical checklist for importers.

Understanding BIS Exemption Under HSE (2026)

Under the amended framework, Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE) is exempt from BIS registration only through specific approval granted by MeitY.

The exemption: -

• Is granted on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of MeitY
• Applies per model
• Is subject to defined technical and quantity conditions

The amendment will come into effect from 15 June 2026.

To qualify for HSE exemption under BIS CRS, your product must meet: -

1. Quantity Condition

• Less than 100 units per model per year

2. Technical Criteria (Any One Required)

As per Notification S.O. 1246(E), the equipment must satisfy at least one of the following: -

• Equipment powered by a three-phase power supply, or
• Equipment powered by a single-phase power supply with a current rating exceeding 16 amperes, or
• Equipment with dimensions exceeding 1.5 meters × 0.8 meters, or
• Equipment with a weight exceeding 80 kilograms

These conditions indicate that the exemption is intended for large, high-capacity or specialized industrial equipment, rather than standard consumer electronics.

BIS Exemption Checklist (HSE) – 2026

Use this checklist to check your eligibility and prepare a complete application for BIS HSE exemption: -

1. Eligibility Check
   Make sure your equipment meets the required conditions: -

• Uses 3-phase power or single-phase power above 16 Amp
• Size or weight is more than the prescribed limits
• Total units per model are less than 100 per year
• The product falls under the electronics or IT goods category

2. Business Details
   Keep your business documents ready: -

• Company incorporation certificate
• GST registration details
• Import Export Code (IEC)
• Authorized signatory information

3. Product Information
   Prepare complete details of the product: -

• Product name and model number
• Technical specifications and datasheets
• Power rating information
• Size and weight details
• Product brochure or manual
• End-use declaration

4. Import / Manufacturing Details
   Provide accurate and proper supply details: -

• Annual quantity declaration (less than 100 units)
• Country of origin
• Manufacturer details
• Importer details

5. Application Preparation
   Your application should include: -

• Formal request letter to MeitY
• Clear justification for HSE classification
• Undertaking for the compliance with regulations
• All supporting technical documents

6. Timeline & Approval

• Processing time may vary (usually it takes around 2–6 weeks based on practical experience)
• Follow-ups with the MeitY may be required
• Keep the approval letter safe for customs and compliance

7. Important Points to Remember

• Exemption is not automatic
• Approval from MeitY is compulsory
• It is valid only for the approved model and quantity
• If units exceed 100, then BIS registration becomes mandatory
• Always apply before import or manufacturing

Step-by-Step Process to Get BIS Exemption

Step 1: Evaluate Eligibility
Assess and examine whether your product qualifies under the HSE criteria. Ensure both technical conditions and quantity limits are satisfied.

Step 2: Prepare Documentation
Collect all the necessary documents, including: -

• Technical specifications and datasheets
• Business registration documents
• Import and quantity details
• End-use justification

Such equipment may not be suitable for the standard BIS testing due to technical or operational constraints, which should be clearly explained.

Step 3: Submit Application to MeitY
File a formal application requesting exemption. The application must: -

• Demonstrate compliance with HSE criteria
• Justify why BIS certification is not feasible
• Include all the required supporting technical evidence

Step 4: Respond to Queries
MeitY may seek clarifications during the evaluation process. Timely and accurate responses help avoid delays.

Step 5: Obtain Exemption Approval
Once it gets approved: -

• An official exemption letter is issued
• It specifies or identifies the approved model and permitted quantity

Step 6: Customs Clearance
Submit the exemption approval along with the import documents to the customs authorities.

Ensure all shipment details match the approved specifications to avoid clearance issues.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incorrect and inaccurate classification of equipment as HSE
• Incomplete or any weak technical documentation
• Applying after shipment arrival
• Exceeding quantity limits
• Lack of proper and reasonable justification

Proper planning significantly improves the approval success.

Benefits of BIS Exemption

• Enables import of specialized and high-value equipment
• Avoids delays associated with BIS certification
• Reduces compliance burden for limited-quantity imports
• Supports industrial and infrastructure projects
• Ensures smooth and lawful customs clearance

Professional Charges

Professional fees for assistance with BIS Exemption (Highly Specialized Equipment – HSE) in India generally start from: -

₹50,000 + GST (approx.)

Out-of-pocket expenses, if any, shall be charged separately.

How Remind Legal Can Help

At Remind Legal, we assist with: -

• BIS exemption India eligibility assessment
• End-to-end application drafting and documentation
• Coordination with the MeitY authorities
• Import compliance and advisory

Our approach ensures accurate and proper filings and faster approvals with minimal risk.

Conclusion

The 2026 amendment introducing the Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE) exemption provides clarity and relief for the importers of complex electronic equipment. However, since approval is granted case-by-case by MeitY, meeting the technical criteria and submitting accurate documentation is essential.

Applying before the import and ensuring proper compliance can help you avoid delays and rejections. With the right and appropriate approach, businesses can use HSE exemptions to simplify imports and reduce regulatory burden.

FAQs

1. Is the BIS exemption automatic under HSE?
   No, an exemption is granted only after the MeitY approval on a case-by-case basis.

2. What is the maximum quantity allowed?
   Less than 100 units per model per year.

3. What is the processing time?
   The Processing timelines may vary, usually ranging from 2 to 6 weeks, which is based on practical experience.

4. Can I apply after importing goods?
   It is advisable to apply for import clearance before importing to avoid delays or compliance risks.

5. What if my product does not qualify for HSE?
   You must obtain BIS registration under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).