How to Import Solar Panels to India: ALMM, Duty Rates & Customs Process (2026)

India levies BCD (Basic Customs Duty) of 40% on solar modules (HS 8541 40 11) and 25% on solar cells (HS 8541 40 12) as part of the domestic manufacturing push. IGST is 12% on both categories. Additionally, anti-dumping duty applies on solar cells and modules originating from China and Malaysia per CBIC notifications — rates vary by manufacturer (typically USD 0.07–0.32 per watt).

The total landed cost can be significantly higher than the CIF value alone. For a solar module shipment with CIF value of ₹10,00,000, the duty stack is approximately: BCD 40% = ₹4,00,000; Social Welfare Surcharge 10% of BCD = ₹40,000; IGST 12% on assessable value = ₹1,72,800; plus anti-dumping duty if China-origin. This pushes the total duty burden to well over 60% of CIF for Chinese-origin panels.

Is there a way to reduce customs duty on solar panel imports to India?

Yes. Under the EPCG scheme, capital goods (including solar project components) can be imported at 0% BCD subject to an export obligation. Also, certain solar equipment imported under project imports may qualify for concessional 5% BCD under Heading 9801 if the project meets specific infrastructure criteria. Speak to a licensed CHA about capital goods import under EPCG or read our full EPCG scheme guide before placing your order.

The ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) maintained by MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy) lists approved solar module and cell manufacturers. From April 2024, government-funded solar projects — including CPSU, state government, and subsidy-linked rooftop schemes — must use only ALMM-listed products. Private and commercial rooftop installations have more flexibility. Foreign manufacturers must register with MNRE and undergo testing at BIS-recognised labs to get ALMM listing.

ALMM List 1 covers solar PV modules and List 2 covers solar cells. The list is updated periodically on mnre.gov.in. Importers should verify the exact model number and manufacturer name against the published ALMM before shipping. A mismatch in model number — even from an ALMM-listed manufacturer — can result in customs scrutiny or project disqualification.

Can I import non-ALMM solar panels for private rooftop installation?

Yes — ALMM is mandatory only for government-funded projects and public sector undertakings. Private commercial and residential installations can import non-ALMM panels, subject to applicable duties and BIS CRS compliance. However, some state discoms still require ALMM for net metering approvals, so verify with your local electricity board before ordering non-ALMM modules.

Solar PV modules (IS 14286) require BIS CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme) registration before import. Solar inverters (IS 16221) also require BIS certification. The BIS registration is obtained by the Indian importer, is product-specific, and must be in place before the first shipment arrives. Without valid BIS CRS, customs will detain the cargo at the port of entry.

The registration process involves: submitting application on the BIS portal, sending product samples to a BIS-recognised lab for testing, factory inspection for some categories, and issuance of the CRS registration number. Timeline: 2–4 months for solar module registration, depending on lab queue and documentation completeness. Inverter registration typically takes 6–10 weeks.

Importers often underestimate this timeline. If you place a solar panel order before securing BIS CRS, the shipment may sit in customs storage accruing demurrage while you wait for the certificate. We recommend starting BIS registration at least 3 months before your intended shipping date. Use our compliance checker to verify exactly which certifications your product needs.

For solar panel imports, sea freight is the standard mode due to weight and volume. China (Shenzhen/Shanghai) to Bengaluru — air freight: 5–8 days; sea LCL: 22–28 days; sea FCL: 18–24 days via JNPT or Chennai Port then ICD Whitefield. Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh) to Bengaluru — sea: 18–22 days (shorter transit and exempt from China/Malaysia anti-dumping duty).

Air freight for solar panels is expensive due to weight — a standard 550W module weighs approximately 28 kg, making air freight prohibitive for commercial quantities. Sea FCL is standard for large orders: a 40-foot high-cube container holds approximately 550–600 standard panels. For sample orders or urgent inverter replacements, air freight via BLR airport is viable. Learn more about China to Bengaluru freight options and routing.

Cost context: FCL 20-foot from Shanghai to Chennai is approximately USD 800–1,400 depending on season, plus inland haulage to ICD Whitefield at ₹12,000–₹18,000. LCL is charged per CBM and is economical for orders under 10 CBM. Use our landing cost calculator to estimate the full door-to-door cost before committing to your supplier.

1. Verify ALMM status — Check if the supplier's module is on the MNRE ALMM List 1 (modules) or List 2 (cells) at mnre.gov.in. If importing for government projects, ALMM listing is mandatory.
2. Check BIS CRS registration — Confirm BIS CRS registration for solar PV modules (IS 14286) and inverters (IS 16221). Registration must be in the Indian importer's name.
3. Calculate landed cost — BCD (40% modules / 25% cells) + IGST (12%) + anti-dumping duty (if China/Malaysia origin) + freight + CHA charges. Use Sea Air's landed cost calculator.
4. Book freight with a CHA — For FCL orders, book sea freight via Chennai Port or ICD Whitefield. For samples or urgent small orders, use air freight via BLR.
5. File Bill of Entry on ICEGATE — Your CHA files BoE with correct HS code (8541 40 11 for modules), CIF value, BIS certificate, and origin details. Anti-dumping duty is computed based on manufacturer identity.
6. Pay duty and clear customs — Pay BCD + anti-dumping + IGST via ICEGATE e-payment. Under RMS green channel, release in 6–12 hours at BLR or 3–5 days at ICD Whitefield.