India is the second-largest smartphone market globally, with over 600 million active users and growing demand across urban and rural segments alike. This massive consumer base makes the country an attractive destination for mobile phone brands, distributors, and traders looking to import mobile phones India has positioned itself as both a manufacturing hub and a consumption powerhouse. However, importing smartphones commercially is not as simple as placing an order with an overseas supplier. The process involves multiple regulatory approvals, mandatory certifications, and a layered customs duty structure that directly impacts your landed cost.
Whether you plan to bring in flagship devices from South Korea, budget handsets from China, or refurbished phones for the secondary market, this guide covers the entire smartphone import procedure, from obtaining the right licences to clearing your consignment through Indian customs.
Who Can Import Mobile Phones in India
Mobile phones fall under the "freely importable" category in India's Foreign Trade Policy, meaning any business entity with the proper registrations can import them commercially. Unlike canalised items such as crude oil, you don't need a special government-designated status. However, free importability does not mean zero compliance. You still need a valid Import Export Code, BIS certification for the product, and a WPC Equipment Type Approval (ETA) for the wireless components.
Individuals can also bring mobile phones into India as part of their personal baggage. One mobile phone for personal use is generally allowed without any declaration. However, carrying two or more new phones may attract customs scrutiny, and any phone valued above the duty-free baggage allowance of Rs 50,000 (Rs 75,000 from February 2026 under revised baggage rules) will be subject to customs duty at the applicable rate.
Registrations and Certifications Required
The regulatory framework for importing mobile phones into India involves several layers. Each certification serves a specific purpose, from trade identification to product safety and wireless spectrum compliance.
The first requirement is the IEC registration issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). This 10-digit code is mandatory for all commercial imports and exports. Without it, customs authorities will not process your Bill of Entry, and your bank cannot facilitate foreign exchange payments to overseas suppliers. The application is submitted online through the DGFT portal and typically gets approved within 3 to 7 working days.
Next, you need a BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification. Mobile phones sold in India must comply with Indian safety and quality standards under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). The BIS certification confirms that the device meets the performance and safety benchmarks specified under IS 13252 (Part 1) for information technology equipment. Without this certification, customs will not release your consignment, and selling the phones domestically becomes illegal.
The third critical approval is the WPC (Wireless Planning and Coordination) Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from the Department of Telecommunications. Since mobile phones use radio frequency spectrum for cellular communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC, each model must receive WPC clearance before it can be imported or sold in India. The ETA confirms that the device operates within the frequency bands and power limits authorised for use in the country.
You will also need active GST registration since IGST is levied on all imports at the port of entry. An AD Code registration with your authorised dealer bank is necessary to link your bank account to the ICEGATE customs system for foreign exchange transactions. If your business is not yet incorporated, a private limited company registration provides the appropriate legal structure for commercial import operations.
Mobile Import Duty India: Current Rate Structure
The customs duty on mobile phones has been revised multiple times over the past few years as part of the government's strategy to encourage domestic manufacturing under the Make in India and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes. As per the Union Budget 2025, the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on mobile phones was reduced from 20% to 15%. This applies to completely built units (CBU) of mobile handsets classified under HSN Code 8517.
Here is the current duty breakdown for importing mobile phones and related components:
The IGST is calculated on the assessable value plus BCD and SWS combined. Businesses registered under GST can claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on the IGST paid at the time of import, which reduces their overall tax outflow. The government periodically revises these rates through budget announcements and customs notifications, so verifying the latest rates on the CBIC portal before placing your order is essential.
Step-by-Step Smartphone Import Procedure
Importing mobile phones into India involves a structured process. Each step requires careful attention to documentation and regulatory compliance to avoid delays or penalties at customs.
Step 1: Obtain all mandatory registrations. Secure your IEC from DGFT, register on ICEGATE, complete AD Code registration, and ensure your GST registration is active.
Step 2: Apply for BIS CRS certification. Submit the application to BIS along with test reports from a BIS-recognised laboratory. The lab tests evaluate electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and other parameters specified under IS 13252. Processing time is typically 4 to 8 weeks.
Step 3: Obtain WPC ETA approval. File your application with the WPC wing of the Department of Telecommunications. Provide technical specifications of the device, including operating frequency bands, transmission power, and supported wireless protocols. The ETA is model-specific, so each variant requires a separate approval.
Step 4: Source your supplier and finalise the purchase contract. Verify the manufacturer's credentials, request product samples, and agree on pricing, Incoterms (CIF or FOB), payment terms, and delivery schedules. Ensure the supplier can provide a certificate of origin if you intend to claim preferential duty under a Free Trade Agreement.
Step 5: Arrange shipping and cargo insurance. Mobile phones are high-value, compact goods that carry theft and damage risk during transit. Opt for air freight for faster delivery or sea freight for larger consignments. Purchase all-risks cargo insurance to protect your investment.
Step 6: File the Bill of Entry on ICEGATE. Once the shipment arrives at the Indian port or airport, file the Bill of Entry electronically. Attach all supporting documents, including the commercial invoice, packing list, airway bill or bill of lading, BIS certificate, WPC ETA, insurance certificate, and certificate of origin.
Step 7: Pay customs duty and clear the consignment. The customs authority assesses duty based on the declared value, HSN classification, and applicable notifications. Pay BCD, SWS, and IGST through the electronic payment system. After examination and verification, customs releases the goods for delivery to your warehouse.
Understanding BIS and WPC Compliance for Phone Import India
BIS and WPC are not optional formalities. They are legally mandated certifications without which your mobile phones cannot enter the Indian market. The BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) covers mobile phones under the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order. Testing must be conducted at a BIS-recognised laboratory, either in India or abroad. The test report validates parameters like electrical insulation, leakage current, temperature resistance, and mechanical strength.
WPC approval, on the other hand, validates that the phone's radio frequency emissions comply with Indian spectrum regulations. This includes cellular bands (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G), Wi-Fi frequencies (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), Bluetooth, NFC, and GPS modules. If a phone model uses a frequency band not authorised in India, the WPC will reject the application. Each colour or storage variant of the same model typically requires a separate ETA if the hardware configuration differs.
Failing to obtain either certification can result in your consignment being detained at customs, forced re-export, or seizure. In some cases, the importer may also face financial penalties and blacklisting from future imports.
