HS code 8471 covers computers, laptops, desktops, and data processing equipment. Laptops enjoy 0% BCD under ITA-1, making total duty approximately 18%. Desktop computers and printers attract 10% BCD for an effective duty of approximately 30%.
Quick answer: HS code 8471 covers laptops, desktop computers, printers, and data processing machines. BCD: 0% for laptops (ITA-1) / 10% for desktops and printers. IGST: 18%. Social Welfare Surcharge: 10% of BCD. Total effective duty: approximately 18% for laptops and 30% for desktops. BIS CRS is mandatory.
HS code 8471 covers automatic data processing machines including portable laptops (84713010), desktop computers (84714900), and printers (84433290). This heading includes personal computers, servers, tablets with keyboard docks, and point-of-sale terminals. 84713010 specifically covers laptops weighing not more than 10 kg. 84714900 covers other digital computers.
Laptop parts and accessories use HS 8473. Hard drives (external) use HS 8471 or 8523. RAM modules use HS 8542. Keyboards and mice use HS 8471 or 8473. Classifying a complete laptop as 'parts' to claim lower duty is misclassification and triggers penalties.
Related resources: find HS codes for other products, electronics imports to Bengaluru.
Total effective duty on CIF value = BCD + SWS (10% of BCD) + IGST on (CIF + BCD + SWS). For HS code 8471, BCD is 0% and IGST is 18%.
| Duty Component | Rate | On ₹500,000 CIF (5 laptops) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Customs Duty (BCD) | 0% | ₹0 |
| Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS) | 10% of BCD | ₹0 |
| IGST | 18% | ₹90,000 |
| Total Customs Duty | ~18.0% of CIF | ₹90,000 |
Note: Laptops are covered under the ITA-1 agreement with 0% BCD. However, IGST of 18% still applies on the full CIF value.
Laptops and computers do not qualify for EPCG as they are typically not capital goods for export manufacturing. However, under project import notifications for IT infrastructure, concessional BCD may apply. IGST paid is fully creditable as Input Tax Credit for GST-registered businesses.
Use our import duty calculator to compute exact landed cost for your shipment.
BIS CRS registration under IS 13252 is mandatory for laptops. Monitors require BIS CRS under IS 616.
Laptops imported to India must have BIS CRS registration under IS 13252. The registration covers specific models and must be held by the Indian importer or brand licensee. Without BIS CRS, customs will detain the shipment.
Monitors and display units require BIS CRS under IS 616. Printers and peripheral devices may also require applicable IS standard certification depending on their electrical characteristics.
Refurbished or second-hand laptops face additional restrictions under India's e-waste rules and may require DGFT approval.
Need help with compliance? check your compliance requirements or read our customs clearance guide.
Typical lead time: 25–40 days from order to delivery, including 4–8 weeks for BIS CRS if not already held.
Our customs clearance guide explains each step in detail. For Bengaluru-bound cargo, we clear at BLR airport (6–12 hours for green channel air freight) or ICD Whitefield (2–4 days for sea freight).
Laptops (HS 84713010) are covered under the ITA-1 agreement — BCD is 0%. However, IGST of 18% applies on CIF value. Total duty: approximately 18% of CIF. Desktop computers (HS 84714900) attract BCD 10% + IGST 18% = ~30% effective.
Yes. Laptops imported to India must have BIS CRS registration under IS 13252. The registration covers specific models and must be held by the Indian importer. Without BIS CRS, customs will detain the shipment.
Importing refurbished/second-hand laptops is restricted under India's e-waste rules. New laptops face no such restriction. Refurbished laptops may require DGFT approval and compliance with e-waste management norms.
Laptop parts and accessories use HS 8473. Hard drives (external): HS 8471 or 8523. RAM modules: HS 8542. Keyboards/mice: HS 8471 or 8473. Classification of parts vs accessories affects duty rates significantly.
IGST paid at import is fully creditable as Input Tax Credit (ITC) for GST-registered businesses. The effective cash cost of IGST is therefore zero for businesses — only BCD (if any) is a hard cost.
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