The Central Government has introduced new Policy Conditions under Chapters 70, 73, 84, and 85 of the ITC (HS) 2022 Import Policy. These changes mean that, while the import status remains “Free,” all imports of specified items must first register with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s Renewable Energy Equipment Import Monitoring System (REEIMS).
The amendment aims to track the import of essential components used in India’s renewable energy sector.
Mandatory REEIMS Registration
The new Policy Conditions (No. 01 of Chapter 70, No. 04 of Chapter 73, No. 05 of Chapter 84, and No. 09 of Chapter 85) require REEIMS registration for two main categories:
- Solar Energy Components: Items exclusively used for solar energy projects require mandatory REEIMS registration. This specifically includes:
- Toughened (tempered) safety glass (HS Code 70071900).
- Photovoltaic cells (assembled or not assembled in modules) (HS Codes 85414200 and 85414300).
- Wind Energy Components: Items with an end-use in the area of wind-operated electricity generation also require REEIMS registration. This applies to several HS Codes, including those covering:
- Towers (HS Code 73082019).
- Bearing housings and gears/gearing (HS Codes 84833000 and 84834000).
- Electric generating sets (HS Code 85023100).
- Electric generating set parts (HS Code 85030090).
- Electric generators (HS Codes 85016420 and 85016430).
New Registration Process Requirements
The new policy establishes uniform procedural steps for all affected imports:
- Applications for registration must be submitted at least two days in advance for air cargo shipments and five days in advance for sea cargo and land route shipments.
- Each registration will remain valid for a period of three months and is specific to a designated seaport, airport, or land port.
- Multiple consignments are permitted under a single registration.
- There will be no registration fee for the process.
- The REEIMS system will require the importer to declare the intended end-use of the imported products/components.
These changes to the import policy will come into effect on November 1, 2025.