How to Import Drones in India: DGFT Rules, Authorisation and Customs Clearance

Since 9 February 2022, the import of drones into India in Completely Built-Up (CBU), Completely Knocked Down (CKD) or Semi Knocked Down (SKD) form is prohibited under DGFT Notification No. 54/2015-20, except with an Import Authorisation issued by the DGFT for research and development, or for defence and security purposes. There is no restriction on importing drone components, which remain freely importable to support domestic manufacturing. This guide explains who can legally import a finished drone, what the authorisation process involves, and what happens at customs clearance.

The current rule in three points

Who can legally import a finished drone

For an individual, hobbyist, or commercial operator outside these categories, importing a finished drone is not currently a legal option.

Bringing a personal drone into India as a traveller

If you're travelling to India with your own drone:

1. Declare it at customs on arrival, through the Red Channel.
2. Be ready to show the purchase receipt, technical specifications and any home-country registration.
3. You may be assessed customs duty and IGST on its value.
4. You may be granted a temporary import permit for personal use, subject to complying with India's drone operating rules while in the country.

Undeclared drones risk confiscation and penalties. For a short visit, renting a drone locally is usually simpler than bringing one in.

What our consultancy covers

We provide consultancy, for a one-time fee, for two categories of import: a completely built unit (CBU) for R&D or testing, and drone components for manufacturing. Our service covers:

• Assessing eligibility to import a drone as a CBU for R&D, testing, or defence supply
• Obtaining an Import Export Code (IEC), where not already held
• Obtaining Import Authorisation from DGFT
• Obtaining a Unique Identification Number (UIN) via the Digital Sky / eGCA platform
• Obtaining Type Approval from the WPC (Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing)
• Sourcing and import of drone components
• Customs clearance
• Door-to-door logistics for the import

We also offer a lower-cost advisory option for businesses that want to run the application process themselves, at a fraction of our turnkey fee.

Documents typically required for DGFT Import Authorisation

Documents customs typically asks for on a finished drone import

Getting a Unique Identification Number (UIN / Form D-2)

Once a drone is legally imported, it still needs to be registered on the Digital Sky / eGCA platform to obtain a UIN before it can be flown.

If the model is exempt from type certification:

1. Create a manufacturer account on the platform, if you don't already have one.
2. Select "Add Exempted Model" and enter your UAS model's details.
3. Add the UAS serial number for that model.
4. Apply for a UIN against that serial number.
5. Pay the ₹100 fee and submit Form D-2. The UIN is generated on payment.

If the model is type certified, the same steps apply, without the "Add Exempted Model" step — you register the serial number directly and apply for the UIN.

Government departments, police forces and other central or state government institutions are not required to provide registration number, GSTIN or DIN details on this form.

Drone components: registration and documents

To import drone components, the basic requirements are an IEC and GST registration; first-time importers also need to complete KYC formalities with customs. Documents typically needed for clearance:

1. Commercial invoice
2. Packing list
3. Air waybill (AWB)
4. Product brochure

Customs duty on drones and components

At the time of writing, imported drones are classified under HS Code 8806, attracting Basic Customs Duty of 10%, a Social Welfare Surcharge of 10%, and IGST of 18%, for a combined duty burden of approximately 31%. This may be lower in specific circumstances, and duty on individual components varies by classification.

Alternatives to importing a finished drone

Since import is closed to most buyers, the practical alternatives are:

• Buy from an authorised Indian dealer, who sources drones from domestic manufacturers or through legal component-import and assembly channels.
• Use a drone rental service for a one-off need such as a wedding or a single project.
• Consider a domestic brand, several of which are growing under the government's Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for drones and components.

Can I import a drone from the USA to India? 
Only with an Import Authorisation from the DGFT. Without one, importing a finished drone (CBU, CKD or SKD) is prohibited, regardless of country of origin.

Can I import a DJI drone to India? 
Only under the same route — a DGFT Import Authorisation, granted for research and development or defence and security end-use. There is no general import route for finished consumer drones from any brand.

Is import of drone components restricted? 
No. Drone components can be imported freely, without a DGFT authorisation, to support domestic assembly and manufacturing.

Do I need to register my drone in India after importing it? 
Yes. Every drone except those under 250g used purely for recreation must be registered on the Digital Sky / eGCA platform to obtain a Unique Identification Number before it can be flown.

Can a research institution import a drone for testing? 
Yes. Government-recognised educational institutions, R&D organisations and drone manufacturers can obtain a DGFT Import Authorisation for research, development or testing purposes.

What happens if a traveller brings a personal drone into India without declaring it?
It risks confiscation and penalties. Declared drones may still attract customs duty and IGST, and may be issued only a temporary import permit for personal use.

For an assessment of whether your specific drone import qualifies for DGFT authorisation, or to arrange sourcing and clearance of drone components, contact Multimodal: +91 93733 11838 or info@multimodal.biz