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Import export policy: Instruments, clocks and musical instruments (HS 90 to 92)
Is import or export free, restricted or prohibited for instruments, clocks and musical instruments? HS chapters 90 to 92: what each covers, DGFT policy lines, which licences.
Official sources checked: 2 Oct 2026
Section XVIII of the Harmonised System covers instruments, clocks and musical instruments. For each chapter below you see what it covers, whether export or import is free, restricted or prohibited in the DGFT documents we read, which India-side licences usually apply, and the official trade values for FY 2025-26.
| HS chapter | Exports, US$ million | Imports, US$ million | Export policy | Import policy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90: Optical, medical and measuring instruments | 5,680 | 15,353 | Free in general | 2 restricted code(s) |
| 91: Clocks and watches | 89 | 793 | Free in general | Free in general |
| 92: Musical instruments | 53 | 85 | Free in general | Free in general |
Trade values are in US$ million for the financial year 2025-26 (April 2025 to March 2026), as published by TradeStat, Department of Commerce (data from DGCI&S) and fetched on 2026-10-02. They can be revised later. Shares and changes are calculated from those figures. Year-on-year change compares 2025-26 with 2024-25.
"Free in general" means we found no restricted, prohibited or STE line for this chapter. Policy changes by DGFT notification. The import notes come from DGFT's lists of restricted (407 codes) and prohibited (88 codes) imports, both as on 12 June 2019. The export notes come from DGFT's chapter-wise export schedule, 2021 edition. Check your 8-digit code on DGFT's policy search for the current position.
Chapter by chapter
Chapter 90: Optical, medical and measuring instruments
Lenses, cameras, precision instruments, medical and surgical devices.
Exports from India
FY 2025-26: US$ 5,680 million, +7.5% on 2024-25. Largest destinations (US$ million): USA (1,273), Germany (356), France (313), China (262).
- No restricted, prohibited or STE line found for this chapter in the schedule we read.
Usually needed: EEPC India, Pharmexcil
Imports into India
FY 2025-26: US$ 15,353 million, +10.9% on 2024-25. Largest sources (US$ million): China (2,752), USA (2,258), Germany (1,960), Singapore (1,296).
- Restricted: passive night vision goggles and telescopic sights for weapons.
Usually needed: CDSCO (medical devices), BIS (check list), DGFT policy lines
Chapter 91: Clocks and watches
Watches, clocks and parts.
Chapter 92: Musical instruments
Pianos, guitars, drums and parts.
Common questions
Is export of instruments, clocks and musical instruments free?
Is import of instruments, clocks and musical instruments free?
Where do I check the current policy?
Is Govt License a government website?
Related guides
Official sources for this page
- DGFT list of restricted items for import (407 codes, as on 12 June 2019)
- DGFT list of prohibited items for import (88 codes, updated 12 June 2019)
- DGFT ITC (HS) Schedule 2: chapter-wise Export Policy (2021 edition)
- DGFT ITC (HS) 2022 Schedule 1: General Notes regarding Import Policy
- DGFT ITC (HS) Schedule 2: General Notes to Export Policy
- DGFT Appendix 2T: list of Export Promotion Councils and Commodity Boards
- TradeStat, Department of Commerce (data from DGCI&S)
- DGFT ITC (HS) import and export policy search