Procedure for issuance of exemption for Electronics and Information Technology Goods Order, 2021

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has amended the Electronics and IT Goods (Compulsory Registration Order) 2021, published on 12 March 2026. This allows certain Highly Specialised Equipment (HSE) to qualify for a specific non-automatic exemption from BIS Compulsory Registration if HSEs satisfy specific technical requirements.

The new rule amendments will come into force on 15th June 2026, pursuant to the amendments to the MeitY 2021 Order made on the same date. An HSE may apply for a specific non-automatic exemption from BIS Compulsory Registration if it meets certain technical requirements and is produced or imported in less than 100 units per model per year. A company must submit a formal application to MeitY to request this exemption.

What is HSE under CRS 2021?

Highly Specialised Equipment (HSE) is any high-tech, specialised, or specific-use type of electronic product that is non-mass produced and provided for use in Research and Development (R&D), Industrial Applications, or Specialised Technical Environments. Many of these items are consequently either consumable items imported or made in small quantities and therefore very difficult to be fully compliant with BIS CRS Registration in India.

Latest BIS Update on HSE Exemption Notification (2026)

According to the Gazette Notification from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY):

• HSE can be exempted from BIS registration
• Exemption is not automatic; it requires approval
• A formal exemption letter must be obtained
• This update will be effective from 15 June 2026

Eligibility Criteria for HSE Exemption

For your product to qualify under the CRS exemption, you must meet certain requirements as listed below:

• Quantity limitations: Up to 100 units per model per year
• Technical qualifications: You must comply with specific technical requirements and safety standards.
• Exemption: Get an exemption from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology through the appropriate procedures.

If any of the above are not satisfied, then you will have to get BIS Certification for your products via the Bureau of Indian Standards.

Why the HSE Exemption is Important?

This update is highly beneficial for businesses dealing with specialised equipment.

• Reduces regulatory burden
• Faster import clearance
• Supports innovation & R&D
• Ideal for low-volume imports
• Avoids unnecessary certification cost

Step-by-Step Procedure for HSE Exemption

STEP 1: Submit your Application on the ICEGATE Portal

• You must apply for HSE Exemption through the Online ICEGATE Portal. Within this portal, there will be a section dedicated specifically to HSE Exemptions.

STEP 2: Obtain an Authorisation Letter

• To process your application for the HSE Exemption, you must obtain an authorisation letter from the Brand Owner or Authorised Signatory. The authorisation letter is Mandatory for Processing Your Application.

STEP 3: Upload Required Documentation

Applicants must upload the following documentation through the ICEGATE Portal:

• Brand Authorisation Letter (Digitally Signed PDF);
• Proforma Invoice and/or Packing List;
• Technical Data Sheet/Product Specification;
• Safety Testing Certificate/Report

Additionally, if a Safety Test Report is not available, you will also have to upload a Self-Declaration on OEM Letterhead Confirming Compliance with International Safety Standards.

STEP 4: Verification By Meity

• Once your application is received, MeitY will verify that the information contained in your documentation matches the Brand Owner's information. All information must be accurate and valid prior to continuing with your application.

STEP 5: Issuance Of Exemption Letter

• HSE Exemptions will be issued within 5 working days after all required documents have been submitted and are determined to be valid by MeitY.

Key Compliance Rules You Must Know

1. Quantity Limitation

• For each model, there is a maximum limit of 100 units per year.
• All imports into India must be combined for that model to determine if further quantity limits apply.

2. Duration of Exemption

• An exemption is only valid until the end of the calendar year in which it is issued.

3. Compliance Once Limits are Reached

• After reaching 100 units on a model:
• Exemption cannot be used on that model again.
• Registration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is mandatory.

4. Customs Clearance Requirement

• Customs will only permit the import of a product if:
• An exemption letter has been received through the ICEGATE portal.

5. Records to be Maintained

• Brand owners must keep accurate and complete records of:
• Model numbers are included with each exemption letter.
• Number of units approved to be imported for each model number.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• To prevent a rejection, make sure you do not make any of the following mistakes:
• Not having an authorisation letter
• Mistakes or inconsistencies with respect to the model number
• More than 100 units per shipment
• Incomplete technical information
• No safety documentation

Who Should Apply for HSE Exemption?

The Exemption allows for each of the following types of importers:

• Manufacturers or distributors of specialised electronic products
• Research and Development companies
• Suppliers of industrial equipment
• Conductors of niche technology companies

Conclusion

The HSE exemption introduced by CRS 2021 is an innovative move by the Government of India, helping to simplify compliance for innovative niche electronic products and to support continued innovation in the technology area. By introducing exemptions for products that are produced and sold in small quantities (very low volume) or are highly specialised/unique, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has made it possible for companies to be able to conduct business at a level of efficiency that doesn’t compromise on safety standards.