The Ministry of Commerce & Industry has issued Notification No. 58/2024-25 dated 07.02.2025, announcing an amendment to the Import Policy for Vintage Motor Vehicles. The amendment, issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade ( DGFT ), revises Policy Condition No. 1(III) under Chapter 87 of ITC (HS), 2022, aligning the classification of vintage vehicles with the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
Under the previous policy, only cars manufactured before January 1, 1950, were freely importable by Actual Users, exempting them from certain import conditions. However, these vehicles were still required to comply with the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and related regulations if used on public roads.
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With the latest amendment, the definition of vintage motor vehicles has been updated to align with Rule 81A of Chapter IIIA of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 (as amended). The revised policy allows vehicles classified under this category to be freely imported by Actual Users while continuing to mandate compliance with Indian road regulations.
The notification clarifies that Policy Condition No. 1(I) and 1(II) under Chapter 87 of ITC (HS) 2022 shall not apply to these vintage cars. However, if these vehicles are intended for use on public roads, they must meet the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and adhere to the conditions specified under Chapter IIIA of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
| Existing Policy Condition | Revised Policy Condition |
| (III) Cars manufactured prior to 1st January, 1950 are free for import by Actual Users. Policy Condition (I) and (II) above shall not be applicable for these cars. However, such of the cars that would be plying on public roads will continue to be subject to Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Rules, 1989. | (III) Cars classified as ‘Vintage motor vehicles’ under Explanation to sub-rule (1) of rule 81A of Chapter IIIA of Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 as amended, are free for import by Actual Users. Policy Condition no. 1(I) and 1(II) of Chapter 87 of ITC HS 2022 shall not be applicable for these vehicles. However, such of the cars that would be plying on public roads will continue to be subject to Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and rules made thereunder. Further, such imported cars shall comply with conditions laid down under Chapter IIIA of Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 as amended from time to time. |
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This amendment updates the classification of vintage cars to align with the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, replacing the previous fixed pre-1950 manufacturing date. This notification has been issued with the approval of the Minister of Commerce & Industry and signed by Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Director General of Foreign Trade ( DGFT ).
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