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India Introduces Mandatory Monitoring System for Renewable Energy Equipment Imports

The Government of India has announced the launch of the Renewable Energy Equipment Import Monitoring System (REEIMS), a new framework designed to monitor and regulate the import of key components used in the renewable energy sector. Effective from November 1, 2025, this initiative—introduced through a notification by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)—will be administered by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The system aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and oversight of India’s green energy supply chain, ensuring that imported components are efficiently tracked and utilized for legitimate renewable energy projects.

Under the new policy, importers are required to register specific items before they can be imported into the country. The registration requirement primarily applies to solar energy equipment, including photovoltaic (PV) cells, whether assembled or unassembled (HS Code 85414200), solar modules and panels (HS Code 85414300), and toughened safety glass used exclusively for solar applications (HS Code 70071900). Although the general import policy for these items remains classified as “Free,” registration through REEIMS has become a mandatory prerequisite for import clearance.

Importers must submit their registration applications in advance of shipment arrivals to allow for adequate processing time. For sea and land shipments, applications must be filed at least five days before arrival, while air cargo shipments require registration at least two days in advance. Each registration is free of cost and remains valid for three months, during which multiple consignments can be imported through the same port without repeated applications. Importers are also required to declare the intended end-use of imported components, enabling the government to gain better insight into the utilization of renewable energy materials and ensure that these critical components are directed toward authorized green energy projects.

The introduction of REEIMS marks a significant step in strengthening India’s renewable energy governance framework. It will enable the government to monitor imports more effectively, prevent misuse or diversion of key equipment, and support the country’s broader clean energy goals. By creating a structured import registration mechanism, authorities aim to balance ease of doing business with strong regulatory oversight, maintaining momentum in India’s solar and renewable energy expansion. The initiative underscores India’s continued commitment to advancing sustainable energy development while reinforcing transparency, traceability, and accountability in the sector.