HSE Definition Widened for CRO Exemption but Meity Approval Remains

Ψ  The revised exemption provisions will come into effect from 15 June 2026

1.    The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued Notification S.O. 1246(E) dated 10.03.2026, amending the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021.

2.    The amendment revises Paragraph 8 of the Order, which deals with the exemption for Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE).

3.    HSE meeting the prescribed criteria will be exempt from the Compulsory Registration Order, subject to a specific exemption granted by MeitY.

4.    The exemption is available only if the equipment is manufactured or imported in fewer than 100 units per model per year.

5.    Equipment qualifying as HSE includes those that satisfy any of the following conditions:

o    Powered by a three-phase power supply; or

o    Powered by a single-phase power supply with a current rating above 16 amperes; or

o    Has dimensions exceeding 1.5 metres Χ 0.8 metres; or

o    Weighs more than 80 kilograms.

6.    The amendment updates the provisions originally notified under S.O. 1248(E) dated 18 March 2021 and subsequently amended by S.O. 1929(E) dated 26 April 2023.

7.    The revised exemption provisions will come into effect from 15 June 2026.

8.    Field formations have been instructed to sensitize officers under their jurisdiction and ensure appropriate implementation of the amended provisions.

 

[CBIC Instruction No. 08/2026-Customs dated 12.06.2026]

Subject: Implementation of MeitY Notification S.O. 1246(E) dated 10.03.2026 regarding exemption for Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE) under Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021.

Reference is invited to Notification S.O. 1246(E) dated 10.03.2026 issued by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) amending the “Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021”.

2. Vide the said notification, amendments to the “Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021”, notified vide S.O. 1248(E) published in the Gazette of India on 18th March, 2021 has been made, wherein Paragraph 8 inserted vide notification No S.O. No 2844 (E) dated 1st July, 2021 shall be read as,

Exemption for Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE): HSE as per the criteria given below shall stand exempted from application of this Order based on specific exemption issued by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under Para 2 of Gazette notification S.O. No 1248(E) dated the 18th March, 2021, as amended by S.O. 1929 (E) dated 26th April 2023, provided they are manufactured/ imported in less than 100 units per model per year-

(i)    Equipment powered by three phase power supply; or

(ii)   Equipment powered by single phase power supply with current rating exceeding 16 Ampere; or

(iii)  Equipment with dimensions exceeding 1.5 m Χ 0.8 m; or

(iv)  Equipment with weight exceeding 80 Kg.

3. The aforesaid amendment shall come into effect from 15.06.2026.

4. In view of above, it is directed that necessary action may be taken to sensitize officers under your jurisdiction regarding the above issue.

5. The difficulties, if any, may be brought to the notice of the Board.

Encls: as above

F. No. 450/51/2018

 

MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ORDER

New Delhi, the 10th March, 2026

S.O. 1246(E).— In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) and (2) of section 16 read with sub- section (3) of section 25 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 (11 of 2016), and the Central Government being of the opinion that it is necessary and expedient in the public  interest so to do, hereby makes the following amendments to the “Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021”, notified vide S.O. 1248(E) published in the Gazette of India on 18th March, 2021 and amended from time to time

2.       In the said Order, Paragraph 8 inserted vide notification No S.O. No 2844 (E) dated 1st July, 2021 shall be read as

Exemption for Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE): HSE as per the criteria given below shall stand exempted from application of this Order based on specific exemption issued by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under Para 2 of Gazette notification S.O. No 1248(E) dated the 18th March, 2021, as amended by S.O. 1929 (E) dated 26th April 2023, provided they are manufactured/ imported in less than 100 units per model per year-

a.       Equipment Powered by three phase power supply or

b.       Equipment Powered by single phase power supply with current rating exceeding 16 Ampere or

c.       Equipment with dimensions exceeding 1.5 m x 0.8 m or

d.       Equipment with weight exceeding 80 Kg

3.       The aforesaid amendment shall come into effect from 15th June, 2026.

[F. No. W-47/21/2022-IPHW]