India's renewable energy sector is a top import category driven by massive solar and wind capacity additions. Solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and inverters each face specific duty treatment — and India's domestic manufacturing push through ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) and MNRE policies significantly impacts what can be imported and at what duty rate.
Solar Import Duty Structure
| Product | HS Code | BCD | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar PV cells | 8541.40 | 25% | Basic Customs Duty introduced to promote domestic manufacturing |
| Solar PV modules | 8541.40 | 40% | High protection for domestic module manufacturers |
| Solar inverters | 8504.40 | 20% | |
| Battery storage systems | 8507.60 | 10–20% | Li-ion batteries; rate depends on specification |
| Wind turbines (complete) | 8502.31 | 7.5% | |
| Wind turbine blades | 8503.00 | 10% |
ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers)
Government and PSU solar projects in India must source from ALMM-listed domestic manufacturers. Private sector projects importing solar equipment must comply with MNRE policies that increasingly favor domestic content. Import of Chinese solar panels for government projects is restricted.
Concessional Duty for Renewable Energy Projects
Under CBIC notification for mega power and renewable energy projects:
- Equipment for solar power plants of >100 MW may qualify for project import concessional duty
- Apply to jurisdictional Customs Commissioner with project details and MNRE approval
- Anti-dumping duty on solar cells from China and Malaysia — verify current SROs
Free template download
Open HTML or Word in any editor. For PDF, use Print → Save as PDF in your browser. Import CSV into Excel or Google Sheets.
Prepare your import documentation
Use free templates, country guides, and step-by-step customs topics — no account required.