Guide
Drone components are treated differently from finished drones, but a set of parts can be treated as a drone, and batteries bring rules of their own. This guide explains what we check before you order parts or batteries.
Last reviewed: November 2026 by Shankar Jha, Customs and EXIM consultant.
Sources: DGFT Notification 54/2015-20, Ministry of Civil Aviation drone rules page, the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Import Tariff in the First Schedule to the Customs Tariff Act, 1975, and CBIC Instruction No. 17/2023 dated 18 May 2023.
The short answer
- Under the DGFT notification, drones in CBU, SKD and CKD form are prohibited unless imported under an authorisation. Drone components are in the "Free" category.
- "Free" does not settle classification, duty or other approvals. A set of parts that together make up a drone can be treated as a drone.
- Batteries are a separate subject. Customs asks about the battery producer registration, BIS rules may apply, and lithium batteries carry transport rules.
Why the line between parts and a kit matters
The prohibition covers drones in CBU (completely built-up), SKD (semi-knocked-down) and CKD (completely knocked-down) form. The "Free" policy covers drone components. If your parts, taken together, are in effect a knocked-down drone, you may be on the wrong side of that line even though each item is described as a part. See the DGFT notification: DGFT Notification 54/2015-20.
How the Customs Tariff looks at an unassembled article
The General Rules for the Interpretation of the Import Tariff say that a reference to an article includes that article presented unassembled or disassembled, and includes an incomplete article that has the essential character of the complete one. In plain words, the tariff can treat the pieces of a drone, presented unassembled, as the drone itself. Whether your goods fall under that rule depends on the facts of your consignment.
What we examine before you order
- Whether the parts come from one supplier, in one consignment, on one invoice
- Whether they are named, packed or priced as a kit for one drone model
- Whether the set needs only simple assembly to become a flying drone
- Whether items essential to a working drone, such as the airframe, motors, controller and propellers, are all present
- How each part is described and classified in the Customs Tariff
- How the order could look if it were split into several parcels or suppliers
These are the points we examine, not a test written into the law. The classification of your set is decided on the facts and the rules in force.
Typical parts and what to ask about each
| Part | Questions we ask |
|---|---|
| Frames and arms, propellers | Tariff heading and duty; whether sold as part of a kit |
| Motors and ESCs | Heading and duty for each; specification sheet |
| Flight controller, GPS, sensors | Electronic goods: heading, duty and any product approval |
| Radio control, video link | Wireless approval may apply. See our guide on radio and wireless approvals |
| Batteries and chargers | See the next section |
Batteries and chargers
A battery is a separate import with its own questions, whether or not it is meant for a drone.
- Battery producer registration. The Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 require producers, including importers, to register with the Central Pollution Control Board. CBIC Instruction No. 17/2023 (18 May 2023) asks Customs officers to verify the registration certificate when clearing batteries and equipment containing batteries. Ask us before you order whether it applies to you.
- BIS rules. The Bureau of Indian Standards runs a Compulsory Registration Scheme that covers some lithium cells and batteries. Whether it applies to a particular battery depends on its type and use, so we check it against the current BIS list for your item. See crsbis.in.
- Transport. Lithium batteries are dangerous goods in transport. Packing, labelling and carrier acceptance rules apply for air and sea freight. Batteries shipped alone and batteries packed with equipment fall under different UN classifications (UN3480 and UN3481 for lithium-ion). Tell the forwarder what the battery is before you book.
- Classification and duty. The tariff heading and duty depend on the battery type.
Documents we usually ask for
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Part list or bill of materials with model numbers
- Technical specification sheet for each electronic item
- For batteries: type, capacity, voltage and the Safety Data Sheet
- Battery producer registration certificate, where it applies
- IEC and GST details of the importer
- Any approvals the supplier already holds
The exact list depends on the items. We confirm it for your case.
Mistakes to avoid
- Ordering a full set of parts for one drone and assuming it is "just components"
- Splitting one drone across several suppliers or parcels without checking how the goods will be viewed
- Ordering batteries before checking registration and transport rules
- Booking air freight without telling the forwarder that the goods include lithium batteries
- Assuming "Free" means no other approval or duty question
Check your own case
Use the drone import check for an initial list of documents and points to verify. A person reviews every case. Read the overall rules in our drone import rules guide.
Led by Shankar Jha, Customs and EXIM consultant with 27+ years of experience. About us
Questions
Can I import a drone as separate parts to avoid the prohibition?
No one should assume so. The tariff can treat a drone presented unassembled as the drone, and the DGFT notification covers drones in CKD and SKD form. Send us the part list before you order.
Are drone batteries covered by the DGFT drone notification?
No. They are separate goods with their own rules: battery producer registration, possible BIS registration, and transport rules.
Do I need a BIS registration for a drone battery?
It depends on the battery type and use. We check the current BIS list for your item before you order.
What duty applies to parts?
It depends on each part and its classification. We do not quote one figure for all drone parts.
Multimodal Logistic Systems Pvt. Ltd., Pune, India. Reviewed November 2026. Rules and notifications change; we check those in force on the date of your matter.