Restricted and Prohibited Imports in India: DGFT Rules, BIS Certification and Import Permissions
Importing goods into India involves more than selecting an overseas supplier and arranging international transportation. Before placing an order, businesses must understand whether their products are permitted for import, whether specific government approvals are required and whether the goods comply with applicable Indian standards.
Certain products can be imported freely, while others require an import authorisation, regulatory approval or mandatory certification. Some goods are prohibited from entering India under applicable import policies and regulations.
For importers, manufacturers, traders and international businesses, overlooking these requirements can result in customs delays, shipment detention, additional expenses or rejection of cargo.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, administers India’s foreign trade policy. Importers must also consider requirements issued by authorities such as the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and other product-specific regulators.
Understanding restricted and prohibited imports in India before shipment helps businesses avoid compliance issues and plan international cargo movement more efficiently.
1. Understanding India’s Import Policy: Free, Restricted and Prohibited Goods
India classifies imported products under the ITC (HS) classification and import policy framework. Depending on the product and applicable policy conditions, goods may fall into different categories.
Free Imports
Free imports generally do not require a specific DGFT import authorisation. However, free import status does not mean that a product is exempt from all regulatory requirements.
Importers may still need to comply with customs procedures, BIS certification, product standards, labelling requirements, safety regulations and other applicable laws.
Restricted Imports
Restricted goods can be imported only after obtaining the required authorisation or satisfying the conditions specified by DGFT and relevant authorities.
The importer must check the product’s classification, applicable policy conditions and approval requirements before arranging shipment.
Prohibited Imports
Prohibited goods are generally not permitted to be imported into India under the applicable policy or legal restrictions. Importers should not arrange shipment unless a specific legal exception or exemption clearly applies.
State Trading Enterprise (STE) Imports
Certain goods may be imported only through designated State Trading Enterprises or according to specified government conditions.
Understanding these categories is the first step towards import compliance in India.
2. How to Check DGFT Import Policy Using the HS Code
One of the most important steps before importing goods is identifying the correct ITC (HS) code.
The HS code classifies products for customs and international trade purposes. In India, the ITC (HS) classification also helps determine the applicable import policy.
Importers should not rely only on the commercial product name provided by an overseas supplier. Two products that appear similar may have different classifications or policy conditions.
Steps to check import policy
- Identify the product’s technical description, composition, specifications and intended use.
- Determine the appropriate HS classification.
- Check the relevant ITC (HS) import policy entry.
- Review whether the item is classified as Free, Restricted, Prohibited or subject to STE conditions.
- Read all additional policy conditions and applicable notifications.
- Verify whether any separate licence, certificate or regulatory approval is required.
For example, an importer purchasing electrical equipment should check both its import policy classification and whether the product falls under a mandatory BIS certification requirement.
Correct HS classification is important because an incorrect code can lead to duty disputes, documentation errors and compliance complications.
3. What Are Restricted Goods in India? Common Import Categories
Restricted imports are products for which additional permissions or conditions apply before they can be brought into the country.
The applicable restrictions vary according to product classification, intended use, technical specifications and current government notifications.
Some categories that may have product-specific import restrictions or regulatory conditions include:
| Product Category | Possible Compliance Requirement |
| Electronics and electrical goods | BIS certification, registration or applicable exemptions |
| Industrial machinery | Product-specific standards and import conditions |
| Chemicals | Safety, environmental and product-specific approvals |
| Pharmaceuticals | Applicable CDSCO permissions and regulatory requirements |
| Food products | FSSAI requirements and applicable food import regulations |
| Medical devices | Applicable medical device registration or licensing |
| Precious metals | DGFT policy conditions and other applicable permissions |
| Used or refurbished equipment | Product-specific import policy and regulatory conditions |
This table is illustrative, not a blanket list of restricted products. Importers must verify the current policy applicable to the exact product and HS code.
4. BIS Certification for Imported Goods: Why It Matters
BIS certification is an important compliance requirement for certain products entering the Indian market.
The Bureau of Indian Standards is India’s national standards body. The government makes certification compulsory for specified products through Quality Control Orders (QCOs) and other applicable certification requirements.
When a product is covered by a mandatory certification requirement, importers must verify compliance before shipment.
Products that may require BIS compliance
Depending on the applicable notification, mandatory certification may cover products such as:
- Electrical and electronic equipment.
- Household appliances.
- Certain industrial products.
- Steel and related products.
- Toys and specified consumer goods.
- Other notified product categories.
What should importers check?
Before importing a product, businesses should:
- Verify whether the product appears on the applicable BIS compulsory certification list.
- Identify the relevant Indian Standard.
- Check whether a valid BIS licence or Certificate of Conformity is required.
- Confirm that the overseas manufacturer and product are covered by the required certification.
- Review the applicable Standard Mark and labelling requirements.
- Check the effective date and any notified exemptions.
A supplier’s overseas quality certificate should not automatically be treated as a substitute for mandatory Indian certification.
Importers should also check the latest Quality Control Orders because product coverage, implementation dates and exemptions may change.
5. How to Obtain an Import Authorisation from DGFT
When an item is classified as Restricted, the importer may need an import authorisation from DGFT before importing the goods.
The application process depends on the relevant product category, policy condition and applicable DGFT procedure.
General steps involved
Step 1: Confirm the import restriction
Identify the correct ITC (HS) code and verify the exact restriction applicable to the product.
Step 2: Review the authorisation requirement
Check the relevant DGFT notification, Foreign Trade Policy and Handbook of Procedures for the applicable application process.
Step 3: Prepare supporting documents
Depending on the product and application, supporting documents may include:
- Importer Exporter Code (IEC).
- Product description and technical specifications.
- Proforma invoice or supplier quotation.
- Purchase order or commercial details.
- Justification for the proposed import.
- Previous import details, where relevant.
- Product-specific certificates or approvals.
Step 4: Submit the application
Apply through the applicable DGFT online process and provide the information and documents required for the relevant authorisation.
Step 5: Follow the approval conditions
After approval, review the authorisation’s validity, quantity, product description and other conditions before arranging shipment.
An import authorisation should not be assumed to be automatically granted. Approval requirements and procedures differ by product and policy.
6. Other Regulatory Approvals Importers Should Consider
DGFT permission and BIS certification are not the only requirements that may apply to imported goods.
Depending on the product, additional authorities may regulate imports into India.
| Authority | Relevant Product or Compliance Area |
| BIS | Mandatory product standards and certification |
| CDSCO | Drugs, pharmaceuticals and regulated medical devices |
| FSSAI | Food products and food safety requirements |
| WPC | Certain wireless and radio-frequency equipment |
| PESO | Specified petroleum, explosives and pressure-related products |
| Plant Quarantine Authorities | Regulated plants, seeds and plant materials |
| Animal Quarantine Authorities | Regulated animals and animal products |
Importers should identify all applicable approvals before dispatch. A product may have a Free DGFT import policy status but still require separate regulatory compliance.
7. Essential Documents for Restricted Goods Import in India
Proper documentation supports customs clearance and regulatory verification.
Depending on the shipment and product, importers may need:
- Commercial Invoice.
- Packing List.
- Bill of Lading or Airway Bill.
- Bill of Entry.
- Importer Exporter Code (IEC).
- DGFT Import Authorisation, where applicable.
- BIS licence or relevant conformity documentation, where applicable.
- Product-specific regulatory approvals.
- Certificate of Origin, where required.
- Insurance and transportation documents, where applicable.
Product descriptions, quantities, values and classification details should remain consistent across the relevant documents.
Incomplete or inaccurate information can result in customs queries, additional examination and shipment delays.
8. What Happens If Restricted or Prohibited Goods Are Imported Without Permission?
Importing goods without the required authorisation or regulatory approval can create serious operational and financial problems.
Depending on the applicable law and circumstances, possible consequences include:
- Customs detention or examination.
- Delays in cargo clearance.
- Confiscation or other enforcement action.
- Penalties under applicable laws.
- Re-export or disposal requirements.
- Additional storage, demurrage and handling expenses.
- Losses arising from delayed inventory and business commitments.
For example, an importer arranging a shipment of regulated electrical products without checking mandatory BIS requirements may discover the compliance issue only when the cargo reaches India.
Resolving the issue after arrival can be more difficult and expensive than verifying the requirement before shipment.
9. How to Avoid Import Compliance Problems Before Shipping
A structured pre-shipment compliance review can help businesses reduce avoidable risks.
Consider the following checklist:
- Confirm the exact product specifications and intended use.
- Verify the correct ITC (HS) classification.
- Check the latest DGFT import policy.
- Identify restricted, prohibited or conditional import requirements.
- Verify BIS certification and applicable QCOs.
- Obtain necessary regulatory permissions.
- Confirm the required import documentation.
- Check customs duty and other applicable charges.
- Coordinate with the supplier and freight forwarder.
- Arrange shipment only after confirming applicable requirements.
Businesses should complete these checks before paying suppliers or booking international cargo wherever practical.
10. How CargoMate Logistics Supports Importers
Managing international imports requires coordination between overseas suppliers, freight forwarders, customs representatives and regulatory authorities.
CargoMate Logistics supports businesses with international freight forwarding, customs clearance coordination and export-import documentation assistance.
Our services include:
- Air freight services for international cargo.
- Ocean freight forwarding for commercial shipments.
- Land freight transportation.
- Customs clearance coordination.
- Import-export documentation assistance.
- Cargo movement and shipment planning.
- Logistics coordination for international trade.
Whether you are importing commercial goods, industrial equipment or other products into India, planning the shipment around applicable customs and regulatory requirements is essential.
Looking for reliable international freight forwarding and customs clearance support?
Connect with CargoMate Logistics to coordinate your import and export shipments.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are restricted imports in India?
Restricted imports are goods that can be imported only after obtaining the required DGFT authorisation or meeting specific conditions under the applicable import policy.
2. What is the difference between restricted and prohibited goods?
Restricted goods may be imported after fulfilling the prescribed permission or compliance requirements. Prohibited goods are generally not permitted to be imported under the applicable laws and policy conditions.
3. How can I check whether a product is restricted in India?
Identify the correct ITC (HS) code and check the latest DGFT Schedule I import policy, including product-specific policy conditions and notifications.
4. Is BIS certification mandatory for all imported products?
No. BIS certification is mandatory only for products covered by applicable compulsory certification requirements or Quality Control Orders. Importers should verify the latest notified product list.
5. Can I import restricted goods without a DGFT licence?
Where the applicable policy requires an import authorisation, the importer must obtain it or satisfy a specifically applicable exemption or alternative procedure before importing the goods.
6. What documents are required for importing restricted goods?
Common documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading or Airway Bill, Bill of Entry, IEC and the applicable DGFT authorisation or product-specific certificates.
7. What happens if goods arrive without mandatory certification?
Depending on the applicable regulation, customs authorities may hold the shipment and require the importer to meet the prescribed conditions. Re-export, confiscation or other action may also apply in relevant cases.
Conclusion
Importing restricted and regulated products into India requires careful planning, correct product classification and compliance with applicable government requirements.
Businesses should check DGFT import policy, HS codes, BIS certification, product-specific approvals and customs documentation before dispatching cargo. These checks can help prevent shipment delays, unexpected expenses and regulatory complications.
For importers and exporters, working with experienced logistics professionals can make international cargo coordination more organised and efficient.
Plan your imports carefully with CargoMate Logistics – Your Trusted Partner in Cargo, Logistics & Freight Services.