Import Duty Guide

HS Code 8517 — Mobile Phones, Smartphones & Communication Equipment: Import Duty in India (2026)

HS code 8517 covers mobile phones, smartphones, smart watches, WiFi routers, and other communication equipment. Total effective import duty ranges from approximately 43% for mobile phones to 47% for smart watches and routers.

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Quick answer: HS code 8517 covers mobile phones, smart watches, WiFi routers, and VoIP equipment. BCD: 15% (mobile phones) / 20% (smart watches, routers). IGST: 18%. Social Welfare Surcharge: 10% of BCD. Total effective duty on CIF value: approximately 43–47%. BIS CRS and WPC ETA are mandatory before import.

What Products Fall Under HS Code 8517?

HS code 8517 covers telephone apparatus for cellular networks, base stations, and other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images, or data. This includes smartphones with cellular connectivity, smart watches with GSM/LTE modules, WiFi routers, VoIP gateways, and Bluetooth communication modules. 85171300 specifically covers mobile phones. 85176290 covers apparatus for wireless networks including smart watches, routers, and VoIP equipment.

What is the difference between HS code 8517 and similar codes?

Mobile phone accessories such as cases (HS 3926/4205), chargers (HS 8504), and screen protectors (HS 3926) fall outside 8517. Computer parts and peripherals use HS 8471/8473. Misclassifying a smart watch as a toy or accessory can trigger customs scrutiny.

Customs Duty Calculation for HS Code 8517: Worked Example

Total effective duty on CIF value = BCD + SWS (10% of BCD) + IGST on (CIF + BCD + SWS). For HS code 8517, BCD is 15% and IGST is 18%.

Duty Component	Rate	On ₹100,000 CIF (10 smartphones)
Basic Customs Duty (BCD)	15%	₹15,000
Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS)	10% of BCD	₹1,500
IGST	18%	₹20,970
Total Customs Duty	~37.5% of CIF	₹37,470

Note: Anti-dumping duty does not currently apply to mobile phones or communication equipment under this heading.

Can I reduce import duty on HS code 8517 goods?

Mobile phones and communication equipment do not qualify for EPCG as they are not capital goods. However, if imported under specific project import notifications for telecom infrastructure, concessional BCD may apply. ASEAN-India FTA may provide marginal BCD reduction for qualifying origin goods.

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

Compliance Requirements for Importing HS Code 8517 Goods

BIS CRS registration under IS 13252 and WPC Equipment Type Approval (ETA) are mandatory for importing mobile phones and wireless communication devices.

Mobile phones and smart watches require BIS CRS registration under IS 13252 before import. Registration is product-specific and takes 4–8 weeks. Importing without BIS CRS results in customs detention.

Wireless devices including smartphones, smart watches, and WiFi routers also require WPC Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from the Ministry of Communications. WPC ETA typically takes 30–60 days and covers the radio frequency modules within the device.

Both BIS CRS and WPC ETA must be in the importer's name or the brand owner's name with proper authorization before the Bill of Entry is filed.

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

How to Import HS Code 8517 Goods to India: Process Overview

Typical lead time: 35–50 days from order to delivery, including 4–8 weeks for BIS CRS and WPC ETA.

Obtain IEC code and GST registration if not already held
Apply for BIS CRS under IS 13252 and WPC ETA for wireless functionality
Book air or sea freight with Sea Air Cargo Systems
File Bill of Entry on ICEGATE with BIS and WPC licence numbers
Customs clearance at BLR airport (6–12 hours for green channel) or ICD Whitefield (2–4 days)
Pay duty and take delivery

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 8517

What is the customs duty on mobile phones imported to India?

Mobile phones (HS 85171300) attract BCD 15%, SWS 10% of BCD, and IGST 18% — total effective duty approximately 43% on CIF value. Smart watches and WiFi routers (HS 85176290) attract BCD 20% + IGST 18% ≈ 47% effective.

Do I need BIS certification to import mobile phones?

Yes. Mobile phones must have BIS CRS registration under IS 13252 before import. Registration is product-specific and takes 4–8 weeks. Importing without BIS CRS results in customs detention.

Do imported smartphones need WPC approval?

Yes. Smartphones contain wireless modules (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular) and require WPC Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from the Ministry of Communications. WPC ETA typically takes 30–60 days.

Can I import phones under the personal baggage exemption?

Up to 2 personal mobile phones may be imported duty-free in personal baggage. Commercial imports above this quantity require IEC, BIS CRS, and full customs clearance.

What HS code do I use for mobile phone accessories?

Mobile phone cases use HS 3926 or 4205. Chargers use HS 8504. Screen protectors use HS 3926. Each has different duty rates — use our HS code finder to confirm classification.