On 8 January 2026, DGFT issued a notification making the Import Monitoring System (IMS) mandatory for the import of:

Key Change: Importers must now register on the IMS portal and obtain an Import Authorisation before shipping these products to India. This replaces the earlier system where only certain categories required licensing.

Why It Matters

1. Clearance Delays Are Inevitable

The IMS registration process requires submission of technical specifications, intended use declarations, and end-user details.

Based on similar DGFT monitoring systems (like the one for steel and tyres), expect 7-15 working days for authorisation approval. Plan your inventory accordingly.

2. Documentation Burden Increases

You'll now need:

• Valid IMS registration
• Import Authorisation for each shipment
• Detailed technical specifications
• End-use certificate
• Supplier declaration

3. Cost Implications

While there's no additional customs duty, the compliance layer adds administrative costs and potential demurrage if documents aren't pre-filed correctly.

4. This Is Not the 2023 Laptop Licensing Fiasco

Remember August 2023 when DGFT suddenly restricted laptop imports, then rolled it back within days? This is different. The IMS is a monitoring mechanism, not a restriction. Imports continue—but with visibility for the government.

What You Should Do Now

Immediate Actions (This Week):

1. Audit your product portfolio against the seven categories listed in the DGFT notification
2. Register on the IMS portal at dgft.gov.in if you haven't already
3. Review pending orders—any shipments arriving without IMS authorisation may face holds
4. Alert your CHA (Customs House Agent) about the new documentation requirements

Short-Term Actions (Next 30 Days):

• Build IMS processing time into your procurement timelines
• Create templates for technical specification submissions
• Establish relationships with registered suppliers who understand the new system
• Review your import compliance checklist for gaps

> ⚠️ Watch Out: The notification is effective immediately. There is no grace period. Shipments already in transit that arrive without IMS authorisation may be held at port until compliance is demonstrated.

Key Numbers at a Glance

The Bottom Line

This notification is part of India's broader push for import monitoring over import restriction. The government wants visibility into who's importing what electronics and in what volumes—likely to inform future domestic manufacturing policy and PLI scheme adjustments.

For importers, this means compliance just got more complex, but trade hasn't stopped. Get your IMS registration done, build the timeline into your procurement cycle, and keep importing.

Need help navigating the new IMS requirements? Contact our import compliance team for assistance with documentation and registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What electronics categories are affected by the new DGFT rules?

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