🎧 Mobile and electronics
HS Code for Wireless Earbuds in India: TWS Code, BIS and WPC
By Abhishek Sadashiv · 16 years of experience in global logistics · Updated 5 October 2026 · 5 min read
Usual HS code for wireless earbuds (import)
8518 30 00
Headphones and earphones, whether or not combined with a microphone. Wireless doesn't change the heading.
Wireless earbuds are one of the fastest-moving categories for online sellers in India. Most come from Chinese factories, many under private labels. The product is small, but it touches three different regulators: customs, BIS and WPC.
Here's how I'd get the code and the paperwork right.
The usual HS code: 8518 30 00
| Level | Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter | 85 | Electrical machinery and equipment |
| Heading | 8518 | Microphones, loudspeakers, headphones and earphones, amplifiers |
| Subheading | 8518 30 | Headphones and earphones, whether or not combined with a microphone |
| Tariff item | 8518 30 00 | Headphones and earphones |
Earbuds are earphones. The tariff says "whether or not combined with a microphone", so the built-in mic for calls doesn't change anything. Neither does Bluetooth. The way the sound reaches the earbud is not what defines the product; what you do with it is, and that's listening.
Why not 8517 62 (Bluetooth devices)?
This is the most argued point with earbuds, and I want to be honest that it has a history. Because earbuds connect over Bluetooth and handle calls, some importers declare them under 8517 62 as "apparatus for transmission or reception of data", which often carries a different duty. There is some basis for the argument: a 2013 CBIC circular (No. 36/2013-Customs) and a WCO classification opinion put Bluetooth headsets for mobile phones in 8517 62.
But in recent years customs has been assessing Bluetooth earphones under 8518 30 00, and a 2026 CESTAT decision agreed that a Bluetooth chip doesn't turn earphones into a data transmission machine. Heading 8518 names headphones and earphones directly. If you choose 8517 62, expect a query, and be ready to defend it with your own legal advice. For most sellers, 8518 30 00 is the safer filing.
What decides the final classification
- Earbuds, neckbands, over-ear headphones: all generally 8518 30 00.
- Hearing aids or medical earpieces: a completely different heading (9021) and different rules.
- Earbuds with a screen or smart features in the case: usually still classified by the earphone function, but check.
- Sets with a separate speaker or microphone: may be classified as a set under 8518.
- Charging case sold alone: spare cases and replacement buds can be classified as parts.
Not sure which line your wireless earbuds 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 wireless earbuds →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. Audio products, including earbuds, have seen duty changes through Budget notifications aimed at local assembly, so check the current rate for 8518 30 00 on the day you file.
You can run your exact earbuds through a lookup, or put your numbers in the import duty calculator.
Compliance checklist for wireless earbuds
| Requirement | Status | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| BIS registration (CRS) | 🔴 Mandatory | Wireless headphones and earphones are under BIS Compulsory Registration (IS 616). Each model needs a registration in the manufacturer's name, with the R-number on the product or pack. |
| WPC (ETA) | 🔴 Mandatory | Bluetooth uses radio spectrum, so an Equipment Type Approval is needed for the model. |
| E-waste EPR | 🟠 Check | Confirm coverage under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 and register with CPCB if covered. |
| Battery Waste Management (EPR) | 🟠 Check | Earbuds contain lithium cells. The battery rules can treat the importer of equipment with batteries as a producer. |
| Legal Metrology | 🔴 For retail packs | Importer details, MRP, net quantity and customer care details on the box. |
| Dangerous goods shipping | 🟠 Check | Lithium batteries inside equipment ship as UN 3481 by air. Your forwarder will ask for the MSDS and UN 38.3 report. |
🔴 Mandatory · 🟠 Check · 🟢 Not required
Mistakes that cost importers money
- Declaring earbuds under 8517 62 because the supplier calls them a "Bluetooth device", without being ready for the dispute that follows.
- Assuming wired earphones and TWS share a BIS registration. The CRS entry is for wireless models.
- Launching a new colour or model number without checking it's on the factory's BIS registration.
- Skipping the WPC approval because the product is "only Bluetooth".
My advice
With earbuds, sort out BIS and WPC before you place the order, not after the goods land. The code is settled; the delays almost always come from registrations that don't match the model number on the box.
Get the exact code and duty for your wireless earbuds
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 wireless earbuds 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 wireless earbuds in India?
Wireless earbuds (TWS) are classified under 8518 30 00, headphones and earphones whether or not combined with a microphone.
▸Are Bluetooth earbuds classified under 8517 62?
It has been argued, and a 2013 CBIC circular pointed that way, but customs currently assesses Bluetooth earphones under 8518 30 00 and a 2026 CESTAT decision agreed. Treat 8517 62 as a disputed position.
▸Do wireless earbuds need BIS certification?
Yes. Wireless headphones and earphones are under BIS Compulsory Registration (IS 616), and each model must carry the registration number.
▸Do Bluetooth earbuds need WPC approval in India?
Yes. Bluetooth devices need an Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from WPC before import and sale.
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.