If you're importing goods into India in 2026, understanding both the duty structure and the BIS certification mandatory products list 2026 is essential for compliance. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regulates various product categories, while India's customs framework involves multiple layers of duties that determine your landed cost. This guide breaks down duty calculations with real numbers and explains mandatory BIS compliance requirements.
What Makes Up India's Import Duty Structure?
India's import duties comprise three main components:
1. Basic Customs Duty (BCD)
Rates range from 0% to 150% depending on product
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Calculated on CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight)
2. Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS)
Levied at 10% of the BCD amount
If BCD is ₹1,00,000, SWS is ₹10,000
3. Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST)
Rates: 5%, 12%, 18%, or 28% depending on HS code
Calculated on total value including BCD and SWS
Additional duties may include Safeguard Duty, Anti-Dumping Duty, and Compensation Cess for specific products.
BIS Certification Mandatory Products List 2026: Compliance Requirements
The BIS certification mandatory products list 2026 includes electronics, IT goods, chemicals, and other regulated categories requiring registration before import. Under recent DGFT notifications, certain electronics and chemical products require BIS registration before import.
Key Requirements:
BIS Certificate mandatory for regulated products under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)
Registration must be obtained prior to shipment
Products must conform to Indian standards specified in the mandatory list
Testing must be done at BIS-recognized labs
Importers must verify their products against the current BIS certification mandatory products list 2026 to avoid customs clearance delays and penalties up to 5 times the duty value.
How to Calculate Your Total Import Duty: Step-by-Step
Example: Electronic components with CIF value of ₹10,00,000:
Component
Calculation Base
Rate
Amount (₹)
CIF Value
-
-
10,00,000
Basic Customs Duty (BCD)
₹10,00,000
10%
1,00,000
Social Welfare Surcharge
₹1,00,000 (BCD)
10%
10,000
Assessable Value for IGST
₹10,00,000 + ₹1,00,000 + ₹10,000
-
11,10,000
IGST
₹11,10,000
18%
1,99,800
TOTAL LANDED COST
-
-
₹13,09,800
Total Duty Burden: ₹3,09,800 (approximately 31% of CIF value)
> Pro Tip: IGST is fully recoverable as input tax credit for GST-registered businesses, making your net duty cost effectively just BCD + SWS (₹1,10,000 in this example).
Understanding HS Codes: The Foundation of Duty Calculation
Your Harmonized System (HS) Code determines duty rates and regulatory requirements. India uses 8-digit codes (first 6 international standard).
Product Category
HS Code
BCD Rate
IGST Rate
Total Duty Impact
Plastic Raw Materials
3901-3914
10%
18%
~31%
Electronic Components
8541
10%
18%
~31%
Textile Machinery
8448
7.5%
18%
~28%
Solar Cells/Modules
8541.40
25%
18%
~51%
Cosmetics
3303-3307
20%
28%
~58%
> Watch Out: Using wrong HS codes leads to penalties up to 5 times duty shortfall and goods seizure.
Current Regulatory Updates (January 2026)
ITC(HS) 2022 Schedule 1: Updated import policy with revised BCD rates on certain electronic items
ICEGATE 2.0: Enhanced digital customs clearance platform with expanded functionality
Faceless Assessment: Expanded to all major ports and customs stations
BIS Requirements: Updated mandatory product categories for 2026 including additional IT goods and chemicals
QR Code Compliance: Enhanced tracking requirements for certain product categories
Practical Strategies to Optimize Import Duty Costs
1. Leverage Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
FTA Partner
Products Benefiting
Duty Savings
ASEAN
Electronics, Machinery, Chemicals
5-15%
South Korea
Auto components, Steel
8-20%
Japan
Machinery, Electronics
10-25%
UAE
Petrochemicals, Metals
5-10%
Obtain Certificate of Origin to claim preferential rates.
2. Advance Authorization Scheme
Duty-free imports for export production inputs. Zero BCD and IGST. Valid 12 months.
3. Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme
Import capital goods at 3% BCD (instead of regular rates). Export obligation: 6 times duty saved. Validity: 6 years.
[ ] Confirmed product appears on BIS certification mandatory products list 2026 if applicable
[ ] Verified IEC (Import Export Code) is active
[ ] Arranged experienced customs broker
FAQ: BIS Certification and Import Compliance
Q1: Which products require BIS certification under the 2026 mandatory list?
Electronic goods, IT equipment, chemicals, and several consumer products require BIS registration. Check the official BIS certification mandatory products list 2026 to confirm if your specific HS code requires certification before shipping.
Q2: Can I import goods without BIS certification if they are on the mandatory list?
No. Products on the mandatory list must obtain registration before import. Customs will detain shipments lacking valid BIS certificates and may impose penalties.
Q3: How does BIS certification affect import duty calculations?
BIS certification itself doesn't alter duty rates (BCD, SWS, IGST remain unchanged), but lack of certification results in penalties and clearance delays that increase your effective costs.
Q4: What documents are required for BIS-regulated imports?
Bill of Entry, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, BIS Certificate (for regulated products), and Certificate of Origin (for FTA benefits).
Q5: Where can I find the updated BIS certification mandatory products list 2026?
Refer to the Bureau of Indian Standards website (bis.gov.in) and recent DGFT notifications for the current mandatory product categories and compliance requirements.
Need Help With Your Import Strategy?
At Befach International, we help Indian businesses navigate import duties and BIS compliance. From HS code classification to verifying the BIS certification mandatory products list 2026, we ensure cost-effective, compliant imports.
Contact us for consultation on your specific requirements.
Disclaimer: Duty rates and regulations change frequently. Verify current rates with official sources before importing.
TARGET KEYWORD: BIS certification mandatory products list 2026
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