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Importing Solar Panels and Inverters into India: HS Codes, Duty, BIS and ALMM
By Abhishek Sadashiv · 16 years of experience in global logistics · Updated 29 September 2026 · 8 min read
Solar equipment is one of the most policy-heavy imports into India. The government wants modules and cells made in India, so imported solar products carry high customs duty, strict BIS rules and, for many projects, ALMM restrictions on where they can be used. Getting the classification and the rules right before you order saves a lot of money.
HS codes for solar panels, inverters and accessories
| Product | Usual code or heading |
|---|---|
| Solar cells, not assembled | 8541 42 |
| Solar modules and panels (cells assembled in modules) | 8541 43 |
| Solar inverters (on-grid, off-grid, hybrid) | 8504 40 |
| Lithium-ion batteries for storage | 8507 60 |
| Charge controllers | usually 8504 40 or 9032, depending on function |
| Solar glass | 7007 |
| Mounting structures and brackets (steel or aluminium) | 7308 / 7610 |
Solar panel accessories are classified by what they are, not by being "solar": cables go under 8544, connectors under 8536, and brackets under the metal headings above.
The 2022 HS update split solar cells into 8541 42 (cells not assembled) and 8541 43 (cells in modules or panels). Older invoices and supplier documents may still show the pre-2022 code 8541 40, which no longer fits.
Solar panel import duty in India (2026)
After the Union Budget 2025-26, solar modules and cells carry a split duty: a lower BCD plus a large AIDC.
| Product | BCD | AIDC | BCD + AIDC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar modules (8541 43) | 20% | 20% | 40% |
| Solar cells (8541 42) | 20% | 7.5% | 27.5% |
On top of this come the Social Welfare Surcharge (10% of BCD; AIDC is exempt from SWS) and IGST. Solar modules and cells were moved to the 5% GST rate from 22 September 2025, so registered importers pay 5% IGST on these, which they can usually claim back as input tax credit.
Example: modules with a CIF value of ₹10,00,000
| Layer | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| BCD | 20% of ₹10,00,000 | ₹2,00,000 |
| AIDC | 20% of ₹10,00,000 | ₹2,00,000 |
| SWS | 10% of BCD | ₹20,000 |
| IGST | 5% of ₹14,20,000 | ₹71,000 |
| Total | ₹4,91,000 |
That's about 49% of the CIF value, and ₹4,20,000 of it is a real cost (only the IGST can be claimed back). You can run your own numbers in the free import duty calculator.
Importing solar panels from China: anti-dumping duty
In September 2025, the DGTR recommended anti-dumping duty of up to 30% of CIF value on solar cells, whether or not assembled in modules, from China, for three years. Anti-dumping duty only applies once the Finance Ministry notifies it, and the rate depends on the Chinese producer. Always check the current customs notification for your exact supplier before placing an order, because this one line can change your landed cost more than anything else.
Compliance checklist
| Requirement | Status | What you need to do |
|---|---|---|
| BIS registration (CRS) | 🔴 Mandatory | Solar PV modules, inverters and storage batteries are covered by BIS compulsory registration. Each model must be tested in a BIS-recognised lab and registered by the manufacturer, and the registration number must appear on the product. Unregistered models can't be cleared. |
| ALMM List-I (modules) | 🟠 Check | Government schemes, net-metering and open-access projects must use modules from MNRE's Approved List of Models and Manufacturers. Imported modules are rarely on it, so check your end use before importing. |
| ALMM List-II (cells) | 🟠 Check | From 1 June 2026, modules for ALMM projects must also use cells from List-II. This affects module makers importing cells. |
| E-waste / battery EPR | 🟠 Check | Solar modules are covered by the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, and batteries by the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022. The producer (often the importer) needs EPR registration. |
| Legal Metrology labelling | 🔴 Mandatory for retail packs | Importer details and mandatory declarations on retail packaging. |
| WPC approval | 🟠 Check | Inverters with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth monitoring need WPC Equipment Type Approval. |
🔴 Mandatory · 🟠 Check · 🟢 Not required
ALMM is about where you can use the modules, not about customs
A common confusion: ALMM does not stop modules at customs. It decides which projects the modules may be used in. Imported modules without ALMM listing can still be cleared (if they meet BIS rules), but they can't be used in subsidised rooftop schemes such as PM Surya Ghar, net-metering or government tenders. If that's your market, imported modules are the wrong product.
Common mistakes
- Using the old code 8541 40 from supplier documents instead of 8541 42 or 8541 43.
- Assuming the duty is only 20% and forgetting the 20% AIDC on modules.
- Ignoring anti-dumping duty on Chinese cells and modules.
- Importing a model that isn't BIS-registered, or a variant (different wattage) of a registered model.
- Importing modules for a subsidy scheme without checking ALMM.
Check your exact product
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16 years of experience in global logistics
Built EximSetu after 16 years in global logistics, watching shipments get held, reassessed or delayed because of a wrong HS code or a missed compliance step. Every guide here is written from that experience, for the people who actually move cargo.
Frequently asked questions
▸What is the HS code for solar panels in India?
Solar modules and panels are classified under 8541 43 (photovoltaic cells assembled in modules or made up into panels). Loose solar cells go under 8541 42.
▸What is the import duty on solar panels in India?
Solar modules carry 20% BCD plus 20% AIDC, then SWS and 5% IGST. On a CIF value of ₹10 lakh, that comes to about ₹4.9 lakh, before any anti-dumping duty.
▸Do imported solar panels need BIS certification?
Yes. Solar PV modules are under BIS compulsory registration. Each model must be tested and registered, and the registration number must be on the product.
▸Can imported solar panels be used under PM Surya Ghar?
Usually not. Subsidised and net-metered projects must use modules from MNRE's ALMM list, and imported modules are rarely on it.
More guides
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and rates change; always confirm for your exact product with your customs broker or the official notification.