The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, has issued Instruction No. 09/2026-Customs dated 12 June 2026 for the implementation of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Notification S.O. 2204(E) dated 05 May 2026 concerning the regulatory treatment of Standalone Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) under the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021.
The instruction draws reference to the amendment notified by MeitY to the existing Compulsory Registration Order (CRO), 2021, with the objective of bringing greater clarity regarding the scope and applicability of registration requirements for different categories of hard disk drives.
Under the amended provisions, the entry appearing at Serial Number 50 in the Schedule to the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 has been substituted with the term “Standalone Hard Disk Drives”. Consequently, standalone HDDs shall now be specifically identified as a distinct category of products under the regulatory framework.
The amended Schedule prescribes compliance with Indian Standard IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010, titled “Information Technology Equipment – Safety – Part 1: General Requirements”, for the notified category of Standalone Hard Disk Drives.
The Government has further clarified that the requirements applicable to USB Type External Hard Disk Drives shall continue to be governed by the existing notified provisions, without any change in their regulatory treatment.
However, in respect of all other categories of Standalone Hard Disk Drives, the provisions of the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 shall become applicable with effect from 05 November 2026. The transition period has been provided to enable stakeholders to undertake the necessary compliance measures in a smooth and orderly manner.
In view of the above developments, CBIC has directed all Principal Chief Commissioners, Chief Commissioners, Principal Commissioners, Commissioners of Customs, and Directorates under the Board to sensitize officers under their respective jurisdictions regarding the revised provisions to ensure uniform implementation and facilitation of legitimate trade.
The Board has also stated that any operational difficulties encountered during the implementation of these instructions may be brought to its notice for examination and issuance of further guidance, wherever necessary.
Background: The Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021, issued under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, mandates compulsory registration for specified electronic and information technology goods before their manufacture, import, sale, or distribution in India. The latest amendment seeks to clearly define the regulatory scope relating to standalone hard disk drives and facilitate effective compliance by manufacturers, importers, and enforcement agencies.
The Instruction can be accessed at: https://taxinformation.cbic.gov.in/view-pdf/1000578/ENG/Instructions
