HS Code for Drone in India: Import Ban, Drone Rules 2021 and DGCA

I'll say this upfront, because it saves people money: for most businesses, complete drones cannot be imported into India right now. Not with a licence, not with a higher duty. The import policy for drones is "Prohibited", with narrow exceptions.

Importers often ask me about drones after seeing them cheaply on Chinese platforms. So this page covers the code, but mostly what you can and can't do.

The usual HS code: 8806 22

Heading 8806 was created in the 2022 HS nomenclature specifically for drones. The split is by maximum take-off weight and by whether the drone is only remote-piloted. Most camera drones sit between 250 g and 7 kg, so 8806 22 is the common answer, but a sub-250 g "mini" drone goes to 8806 21. That's why I've given six digits.

Why not 9503 (toys) or 8525 (cameras)?

Two moves I see people try. One is calling a drone a toy under 9503. Genuine toy drones designed for children's play can belong there, but a camera drone with GPS, gimbal and long range is not a toy, and customs knows the difference.

The other is splitting a drone into "camera" (8525) and "parts" and importing it in pieces. The import ban covers drones in CBU, SKD and CKD form, so a full kit of parts that makes one drone is still treated as a drone.

What decides the final classification

• Maximum take-off weight: this picks the subheading (250 g, 7 kg, 25 kg, 150 kg bands).
• Remote-piloted only vs autonomous capability: 8806 21-29 vs 8806 91-99.
• Toy vs drone: design, range, camera and control features.
• Components vs kits: single parts like motors, flight controllers and batteries are a different story from a complete set.

The import policy: prohibited, with exceptions

DGFT Notification No. 54/2015-2020 (9 February 2022) made the import of drones under 8806 in CBU, SKD or CKD form "Prohibited". The exceptions:

• R&D: government entities, recognised educational institutions, recognised R&D entities and drone manufacturers can import for R&D, with a DGFT import authorisation issued in consultation with the line ministries.
• Defence and security: allowed with a DGFT import authorisation.

Drone components are "Free" to import. That's what makes local assembly by Indian manufacturers possible.

The Drone Rules, 2021 (DGCA)

Even a legally obtained drone has to follow the Drone Rules, 2021 administered by DGCA through the Digital Sky platform:

• Categories by weight: nano (up to 250 g), micro (250 g to 2 kg), small (2-25 kg), medium (25-150 kg), large (above 150 kg).
• Type certificate: drones need a type certificate (certification scheme run through QCI), with nano drones and model aircraft exempt.
• Unique Identification Number (UIN): drones are registered on Digital Sky to get a UIN; nano drones have exemptions.
• Remote Pilot Certificate: needed to fly, except for nano drones and non-commercial micro drones.
• Airspace map: green, yellow and red zones decide where you can fly.

How import duty is worked out

For the permitted cases, duty is calculated on the assessable value (CIF in rupees): Basic Customs Duty, the Social Welfare Surcharge, then IGST. Check the current rate for your exact line on the day you file, or use the import duty calculator for components.

Compliance checklist for drones

🔴 Mandatory · 🟠 Check · 🟢 Not required

Mistakes that cost importers money

• Ordering finished drones and hoping a licence will come. Under the current policy, it won't for ordinary trade.
• Splitting a drone into parts across invoices. A complete kit is still treated as a drone.
• Declaring a camera drone as a toy.
• Assuming components are free of all checks. Batteries and radio parts carry their own rules.

My advice

If you're in the drone business, think like a manufacturer: import components, assemble and certify in India. If you fall into one of the exceptions, get the DGFT authorisation in hand before anything ships. And check your exact components with a lookup; some parts are more sensitive than they look.