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HS Code 8479 — Industrial Machinery & Mechanical Equipment: Import Duty in India (2026)

HS code 8479 covers industrial machinery and mechanical equipment. These attract BCD 7.5% and IGST 18%, giving a total effective duty of approximately 28.5%. The EPCG scheme allows eligible exporters to import at 0% BCD.

Quick answer: HS code 8479 covers industrial machinery, mixing machinery, and industrial robots. BCD: 7.5%. IGST: 18%. Social Welfare Surcharge: 10% of BCD. Total effective duty: approximately 28.5% on CIF value. No mandatory pre-import licence for standard industrial machinery. EPCG scheme available for exporters.

What Products Fall Under HS Code 8479?

HS code 8479 covers machines and mechanical appliances having individual functions not elsewhere specified. 84798999 covers industrial machinery not elsewhere classified. 84795000 covers mixing machinery. 84799030 covers industrial robots. This heading is broad and covers specialized manufacturing equipment across many industries.

What is the difference between HS code 8479 and similar codes?

CNC lathes use HS 8458. CNC machining centres use HS 8457. Milling machines use HS 8459. Packaging machinery uses HS 8422. Each has specific sub-headings with potentially different duty rates. Provide machine specifications to your CHA for correct classification.

Related resources: find HS codes for other products, machinery import guide.

Customs Duty Calculation for HS Code 8479: Worked Example

Total effective duty on CIF value = BCD + SWS (10% of BCD) + IGST on (CIF + BCD + SWS). For HS code 8479, BCD is 7% and IGST is 18%.

Duty ComponentRateOn ₹2,000,000 CIF (one industrial machine)
Basic Customs Duty (BCD)7%₹140,000
Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS)10% of BCD₹14,000
IGST18%₹387,720
Total Customs Duty~27.1% of CIF₹541,720

Note: Used industrial machinery requires a chartered engineer certificate confirming residual life of at least 5 years, plus an inspection report and valuation certificate. Some categories are restricted.

Can I reduce import duty on HS code 8479 goods?

Under the EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods) scheme, eligible exporters can import industrial machinery at 0% BCD by committing to export 6× the duty saved over 6 years. This applies to manufacturers and service exporters with RCMC.

Use our import duty calculator to compute exact landed cost for your shipment.

Compliance Requirements for Importing HS Code 8479 Goods

No mandatory pre-import licence for new standard industrial machinery. Used machinery requires additional documentation including chartered engineer certificate.

New industrial machinery does not require a mandatory pre-import licence. Standard customs clearance applies with commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, IEC code, and GST registration.

Used machinery must be accompanied by a chartered engineer certificate confirming residual life of at least 5 years, an inspection report, and valuation certificate. CPCB certificate is required for machinery generating hazardous waste. Some categories are restricted.

Food-grade machinery must meet hygiene standards including SS316 contact surfaces and CE or equivalent food-grade certification.

Need help with compliance? check your compliance requirements or read our customs clearance guide.

How to Import HS Code 8479 Goods to India: Process Overview

Typical lead time: 30–45 days from order to delivery for new machinery; 45–60 days for used machinery.

  • Obtain IEC code and GST registration
  • Apply for EPCG licence if eligible (0% BCD benefit)
  • Book sea freight (FCL for large machines) with Sea Air Cargo Systems
  • For used machinery: arrange chartered engineer inspection and certificate
  • File Bill of Entry on ICEGATE with EPCG licence (if applicable)
  • Customs clearance at ICD Whitefield or Chennai Port (5–10 days for standard cargo)

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).

Frequently Asked Questions — HS Code 8479

What is the import duty on industrial machinery in India?

Industrial machinery (HS 8479) attracts BCD of 7.5%, SWS of 0.75% (10% of BCD), and IGST of 18% on the duty-inclusive value. Total effective duty is approximately 28.5% on CIF value. Under EPCG scheme, eligible exporters can import at 0% BCD.

Can I import used industrial machinery to India?

Yes, with additional requirements. Used machinery must be accompanied by a chartered engineer certificate confirming residual life of at least 5 years, an inspection report, and valuation certificate. CPCB certificate required for machinery generating hazardous waste. Some categories are restricted.

What is the EPCG scheme for importing industrial machinery?

EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods) scheme allows importing capital goods including machinery at 0% BCD by committing to export 6× the duty saved over 6 years. Applicable to manufacturers and service exporters with RCMC. Sea Air handles EPCG licence applications.

How long does customs clearance take for large industrial machinery?

Industrial machinery clearance at ICD Whitefield or BLR airport takes 5–10 business days for standard cargo. Heavy ODC (Over Dimensional Cargo) may require 2–4 weeks for special transport permits and examination. Pre-arrival filing recommended.

What HS code should I use for a CNC lathe or machining centre?

CNC lathes: HS 8458. CNC machining centres: HS 8457. Milling machines: HS 8459. Each has specific sub-headings. Misclassification can lead to duty disputes — provide machine specifications and model number to your CHA for correct classification.

Import HS Code 8479 Goods to India

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