Promote domestic drone industry
India has banned the import of drones except for R&D, defense and security purposes. The ban is aimed at promoting the domestic drone manufacturing industry.
“Import policy of drones under HS code 8806 is ‘Prohibited’ with exceptions provided for R&D, Defense and Security,” a notification said. However, import of drone components shall be ‘Free’, it said.
The move comes after the Union Budget proposed the Drone Shakti scheme. The scheme is to facilitate the application and use of ‘drones as service’ in the country.
