DGFT Notifies Rule To Track Solar & Wind Energy Equipment Imports from Nov 1

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has recently notified an amendment to sections of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992. The revised regulation mandates REEIMS registration for items used in solar and wind-operated electricity generation equipments.

The new policy amended includes items covers under HS Codes 70071900, 85414200, and 85414300, which are exclusively used for solar energy projects. These items must be registered on the Renewable Energy Equipment Import Monitoring System (REEIMS) of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) prior to import. Thereby ensuring a better tracking of imported renewable energy equipment and helps the government support domestic manufacturing under the ALMM/ALCM schemes.”

The amendment has been made with immediate effect under the powers conferred by the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023. Using these powers, the government modified relevant provisions. These changes to the import policy will come into force on November 1, 2025.

DGFT's latest policy also applies to components under HS Codes 73082019, 84833000, 84834000, 85016420, 85016430, 85023100, and 85030090. It covers imports through air cargo, sea cargo, and land routes.

Some of the key products identified under the scheme include Photosensitive semiconductor devices, comprising photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled in modules or made up into panels. It also includes light-emitting diodes (LED), Photovoltaic cells not assembled in modules or made up into panels.  

The regulation specifies the following changes:

• Registration timelines: at least two days in advance for air cargo and five days in advance for sea and land shipments.

• Validity: Each registration will remain valid for three months.

• Fees: No registration fee will be charged.

• Port-specific registration: each registration is linked to a specific port (sea, air, or land), though multiple consignments can be processed under a single registration.

• End-use declaration: REEIMS includes a provision allowing importers to declare the intended end-use of imported products or components for the aforementioned items.