Policy Circular No. 08/2025-26, Dated 17-12-2025
1. Regulatory Background
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued a Policy Circular laying down the procedure for implementation of the Import Management System (IMS) for the import of restricted IT hardware for the calendar year 2026.
The circular continues and operationalises the regulatory framework introduced under:
- Notification No. 23/2023, dated 03-08-2023
- Notification No. 26/2023, dated 04-08-2023
- Notification No. 38/2023, dated 19-10-2023
It also extends the IMS procedure that was earlier notified for 2025 under Policy Circular No. 09/2024-25, dated 11-12-2024.
2. IT Hardware Covered Under the Import Management System
The IMS applies to restricted IT hardware falling under HSN 8471, including:
- Laptops
- Tablets
- All-in-one personal computers
- Ultra Small Form Factor (USFF) computers
- Servers
Imports of these items require prior Import Authorisation through the IMS.
3. Application for Import Authorisation
3.1 Mode of Application
- Importers must apply online through the Import Management System on the DGFT website
- No offline or manual applications are permitted
3.2 Application Window
- Portal opening – 22 December 2025
- Portal closing – 15 December 2026
Importers must ensure timely submission within this window for imports planned during CY 2026.
4. Validity of Import Authorisation
- Any Import Authorisation issued under the IMS shall be valid up to 31 December 2026
- Imports must be completed within the validity period to remain compliant
5. Multiple Applications and Amendments
The circular provides flexibility to importers by allowing:
- Multiple IMS applications during the calendar year, based on business requirements
- Amendment of authorisations during their validity period through the DGFT portal
(e.g., quantity, value, product mix, or other permitted changes)
This enables importers to align authorisations with evolving supply chain and demand conditions.
6. Mid-Term Review Mechanism
The circular also provides that:
- A mid-term review of the Import Management System may be undertaken by the
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) - Updated inputs or recommendations from MeitY may be shared with DGFT for system refinement
This ensures that the IMS remains responsive to domestic manufacturing priorities, supply constraints, and policy objectives.
7. Regulatory Intent
The continued application of the IMS framework seeks to:
- Monitor and regulate imports of sensitive IT hardware
- Balance domestic manufacturing interests with legitimate import requirements
- Provide a predictable, transparent, and digital authorisation mechanism
- Avoid supply disruptions while maintaining policy oversight
8. Compliance Takeaways for Importers
Importers of IT hardware under HSN 8471 should:
- Plan import volumes early and apply through IMS within the prescribed window
- Track authorisation validity up to 31-12-2026
- Use amendment facilities proactively to avoid excess or short authorisation
- Monitor policy updates arising from any mid-term MeitY review
- Ensure that Bills of Entry strictly align with IMS authorisation details
Non-compliance may result in import restrictions, clearance delays, or penal consequences.
