HS 8518

Import Duty on Headphones & Earbuds in India (2026): 11%–26.4% + IGST

Headphones, earphones and speakers under HS heading 8518 attract combined customs duty from around 11% up to 26.4% in India, with true wireless earbuds at the top of that range. Add 18% IGST and an imported pair of AirPods can cost a third more than its foreign sticker price.

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Live tariff

HS-code duty rates for headphones & earbuds

Showing 12 representative tariff lines of the 16 that match this category. The duty column is the combined customs rate (BCD plus AIDC and SWS, all charged on the assessable value); IGST is then applied on the duty-inclusive amount.

HS code	Description	Customs duty	IGST
85181000	Microphones, microphones stands	16.5%BCD 15%SWS 1.5%	18%
85182900	Speakers	26.4%BCD 20%AIDC 4%SWS 2.4%	18%
85183000	Microphones	26.4%BCD 20%AIDC 4%SWS 2.4%	18%
85184000	Audio-Frequency Electric Amplifiers	16.5%BCD 15%SWS 1.5%	18%
85185000	Electric sound amplifier sets	11%BCD 10%SWS 1%	18%
85189000	Parts Of Microphones, Loudspeakers, Headphones And Earphones, Earphones, Audio-Frequency Electric Am	16.5%BCD 15%SWS 1.5%	18%
85182110	Single Loudspeakers, Mounted In Their Enclosures: Wireless	22%BCD 20%SWS 2%	18%
85182190	Single Loudspeakers, Mounted In Their Enclosures: Other	22%BCD 20%SWS 2%	18%
85182210	Multiple Loudspeakers, Mounted In The Same Enclosure: Wirless	22%BCD 20%SWS 2%	18%
85182290	Multiple Loudspeakers, Mounted In The Same Enclosure: Other	22%BCD 20%SWS 2%	18%
85182910	Loudspeakers Other: Wireless	22%BCD 20%SWS 2%	18%
85182990	Loudspeakers Other: Other	22%BCD 20%SWS 2%	18%

Rates are the tariff we apply when quoting real shipments; anti-dumping duty, where notified for a specific product and origin, is charged in addition.

Worked example

What INR 25,000 of headphones & earbuds costs to land in India

Step by step, using the representative rate for this category (22% duty on HS 85182110, 18% IGST). Your exact rate depends on the precise HS code in the table above.

Headphones & Earbuds (goods value): INR 25,000
International freight (illustrative, 10% of goods): INR 2,500
Assessable value (CIF = goods + freight): INR 27,500
Customs duty (22% of CIF, HS 85182110): INR 6,050
IGST (18% of CIF + duty): INR 6,039
Estimated landed cost: INR 39,589

Note for businesses: the IGST portion (INR 6,039 here) is creditable as input tax credit if you are GST-registered; the customs duty portion is not. Freight is illustrative - use the calculator for a quote with real shipping on your actual item.

Before you order

What to know about importing headphones & earbuds

Duty varies within the heading: wired headphone lines sit near the bottom of the range, TWS earbuds and speakers near the top.
18% IGST applies on the duty-inclusive value for courier imports.
Hearable imports were moved to higher duty specifically to push brands to assemble in India - most mainstream TWS sold locally is now made in India.
Bluetooth audio devices are covered by WPC self-declaration; single personal units clear couriers without separate approval.

What we ship

Popular headphones & earbuds imports

AirPods Pro 3

Sony WH-1000XM6

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Sennheiser Momentum 4

Samsung Galaxy Buds

Beats Studio

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Headphones & Earbuds import questions, answered

What is the customs duty on AirPods shipped to India?+

True wireless earbuds attract a combined customs duty at the top of the 8518 range - about 26.4% including cesses - plus 18% IGST on the duty-inclusive value. On premium earbuds the total tax burden works out to roughly 45-49% over the CIF value.

Are wired headphones cheaper to import than wireless?+

Yes. Several wired headphone and microphone lines under 8518 carry duty around 11%, roughly half the TWS rate, before the same 18% IGST. Studio headphones and IEMs bought from Japan or the US often land at reasonable premiums for this reason.

Is it worth importing flagship noise-cancelling headphones?+

For models with big price gaps - Sony and Bose flagships routinely sell 20-30% cheaper in the US - the landed price after duty and IGST can still match or beat Indian retail during US sale events. For models priced similarly worldwide, local purchase with warranty usually wins.

Can I carry headphones in my luggage duty-free?+

A used pair around your neck is a personal effect. New boxed audio gear counts against the INR 50,000 duty-free baggage allowance; above that, the flat baggage rate of about 38.5% applies to the excess value.

Related duty guides

Import duty on cameras & lenses

HS 8525

Import duty on televisions

HS 85287

Import duty on monitors & projectors

HS 85284, 85285, 85286

All India duty categories Import cost calculator Ship to India with iWishBag

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