The DGFT, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, issued Policy Circular No. 08/2025-26 dated December 17, 2025 has notified the procedure for implementation of the Import Management System (IMS) for the import of restricted IT hardware for the calendar year 2026.
The Import Management System will apply to imports of Laptops, Tablets, All-in-One Personal Computers, Ultra-Small Form Factor Computers and Servers, which fall under HSN 8471 and are classified as “Restricted” items.
Under the notified procedure, importers are required to apply for Import Authorisation through the IMS module on the DGFT website. The application portal will remain open from 22nd December 2025 to 15th December 2026. Import authorisations issued under this system shall be valid up to 31st December 2026.
The policy allows multiple applications by an importer within a year, and any request for amendment during the validity of the authorisation may also be submitted online through the DGFT portal.
Based on operational requirements, a mid-term review of the Import Management System may be undertaken by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to provide updated inputs to DGFT. Further, DGFT retains the right to amend, modify, suspend or withdraw the procedure, in whole or in part, at any time, in accordance with policy requirements or directions of the Government.
The notification has been issued with the approval of the Competent Authority.
The Policy Circular can be accessed at: https://a2ztaxcorp.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Policy-Circular-No.-08_0001.pdf
