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HS Code for LED TV in India: Restricted Import, BIS and Duty
By Abhishek Sadashiv · 16 years of experience in global logistics · Updated 5 October 2026 · 5 min read
Usual HS code for led tv (import)
8528 72
Colour television receivers. The Indian tariff splits 8528 72 by screen size, so the last two digits depend on your TV.
LED TVs surprise a lot of first-time importers. It's a common product, sold everywhere, so people assume it's a simple import. It isn't: colour TVs have been on India's restricted import list since 2020, which means you need a DGFT import authorisation before you ship.
That's the first thing I'd check. The HS code and BIS come next.
The usual HS code: 8528 72
| Level | Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter | 85 | Electrical machinery and equipment |
| Heading | 8528 | Monitors, projectors and television receivers |
| Subheading | 8528 72 | Reception apparatus for television, other, in colour |
| Tariff items | 8528 72 11 to 8528 72 19 | Television sets, split by screen size |
The Indian tariff breaks 8528 72 into lines by screen size: up to 36 cm, then bands up to 54 cm, 68 cm, 74 cm, 87 cm, 105 cm, above 105 cm, plus specific lines for smaller LCD sets and "other". Measure the diagonal in centimetres (a 43-inch TV is about 109 cm) and match it to the line. That's why I've given six digits.
Why not 8528 52 (monitors)?
This is the mix-up that matters most. A large display with an HDMI port can be sold as a monitor (8528 52) or a TV (8528 72). The difference is whether it has a TV tuner or is built to receive television. Monitors aren't caught by the TV restriction, so there's a temptation to call a TV a monitor.
Customs looks at what's actually in the box: a tuner, a smart TV operating system, a TV remote and TV marketing usually mean it's a television. Getting this wrong can mean seizure, not just extra duty.
What decides the final classification
- Tuner and TV function: TV (8528 72) vs monitor (8528 52).
- Screen size in cm: picks the 8-digit line.
- Complete TV vs open cell panel: panels and parts for local assembly are classified differently.
- Smart features: don't change the heading; a smart TV is still a TV.
Not sure which line your led tv falls under?
Describe it or snap a photo. EximSetu asks the 2–4 questions that change the code, then gives the 8-digit HS code with reasoning, the duty in rupees and the compliance checklist.
Check my led tv →How import duty is worked out
Duty is calculated on the assessable value (CIF in rupees): Basic Customs Duty, then the Social Welfare Surcharge on that duty, then IGST on the total. TV duties and panel duties have been adjusted repeatedly to support local assembly, so check the current rate for your exact line on the day you file.
Run your TV through a lookup, or use the import duty calculator and the landed cost calculator to see if the numbers work.
Compliance checklist for LED TVs
| Requirement | Status | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| DGFT import authorisation | 🔴 Mandatory | Colour TVs under 8528 72 have been "Restricted" since July 2020. You need a DGFT import authorisation before shipping. |
| BIS registration (CRS) | 🔴 Mandatory | Televisions are under BIS Compulsory Registration (IS 616, with the newer TV standard IS 18112 also listed). Each model needs registration in the manufacturer's name. |
| E-waste EPR | 🔴 Mandatory | TVs are covered under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. The importer needs EPR registration with CPCB. |
| Legal Metrology | 🔴 For retail packs | Importer details, MRP, net quantity, screen size, date of import and customer care. |
| WPC approval | 🟠 Check | Smart TVs have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Check Equipment Type Approval for the radio. |
| BEE star label | 🟠 Check | Televisions are under BEE's labelling programme; check whether your model needs a star label. |
🔴 Mandatory · 🟠 Check · 🟢 Not required
Mistakes that cost importers money
- Shipping TVs without the DGFT authorisation. This is the one that leaves containers stuck.
- Declaring a TV as a monitor to avoid the restriction.
- Choosing the wrong size line because the invoice gives inches and the tariff uses centimetres.
- Forgetting BIS for the exact model when the supplier changes the panel.
My advice
For TVs, start with the authorisation question, not the duty. If you're comparing importing finished TVs against assembling locally from panels, run both through a lookup; the compliance path is very different.
Get the exact code and duty for your led tv
Every variant is different. Answer 2–4 questions and get the 8-digit code with reasoning, duty in rupees and the compliance checklist in minutes.
Check my led tv free →Written by
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 an LED TV in India?
LED TVs fall under 8528 72 (colour television receivers). The Indian tariff splits this into 8528 72 11 to 8528 72 19 based on screen size.
▸Is importing LED TVs restricted in India?
Yes. Since July 2020 (DGFT Notification 22/2015-2020), colour TVs under 8528 72 are 'Restricted', so you need a DGFT import authorisation.
▸What is the difference between a TV and a monitor for customs?
A TV is built to receive television, usually with a tuner, and goes under 8528 72. A monitor without TV reception goes under 8528 52 and is not covered by the TV restriction.
▸Do LED TVs need BIS certification?
Yes. Televisions are under BIS Compulsory Registration. Each model must be registered by the manufacturer and carry the BIS registration number.
Related HS codes
🎧 Full guide: Importing Consumer Electronics into India: HS Codes, Duty, BIS and WPC →This page is general information, not legal advice. The usual code can change with the exact product, and rates and rules change by notification. Always confirm for your exact product with your customs broker or the official notification.