Import industrial robots

What is imported

Welding, painting, palletising and pick-and-place robots are imported by automobile and component makers, electronics assemblers and system integrators. TradeStat shows about US$ 247 million of 8479 50 imports in 2025–26, mostly from China, Japan and South Korea, followed by Singapore and Germany. Most buyers import through the brand's Indian arm or an integrator who also supplies the cell, safety fencing and programming.

Licences and registrations you need

• DoT — WPC (Equipment Type Approval)If the robot, its teach pendant or its controller has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or another radio module, check whether Equipment Type Approval is needed on the Saral Sanchar portal.saralsanchar.gov.in ↗
• BIS (status check)The Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024 was rescinded by the Ministry of Heavy Industries in January 2026 (S.O. 239(E)), so there is no general BIS certificate for machinery at present. Check the BIS list for any product-specific order before you ship.bis.gov.in ↗

What is checked at the port

• Model, serial numbers and payload against the invoice and catalogue.
• Separate value of software and programming: customs may add licence fees paid as a condition of sale.
• Radio modules in pendants and controllers, if any.

Practical tips

• Buy the robot with an integrator who gives a cycle-time guarantee for your part, not just the bare arm.
• Budget for safety fencing, light curtains and operator training; a robot cell must meet workplace safety rules.

Where new importers go wrong

• Importing a used robot without a licence transfer for its controller software, which then cannot be updated or serviced.
• Forgetting radio approval for wireless pendants and having the shipment held.