Import Surveillance Requirements for Air Compressors with Air Tanks Communiqué No: 2026/9

Scope of the Regulation

The regulation applies to goods classified under HS 8414.80.22.90.11, covering air compressors equipped with an air tank. The surveillance measure is triggered only when the declared unit value falls below the specified threshold. Declarations meeting or exceeding the reference value are not subject to the certificate requirement.

Mandatory Surveillance Certificate

Where the declared unit value is below USD 90 per unit, importation is permitted only with a Surveillance Certificate issued by the Directorate General for Imports. The certificate must be obtained prior to customs declaration registration and correctly referenced in the declaration.

Failure to present a valid certificate when required will prevent declaration registration.

Application and Review Process

Applications are submitted electronically via the Single Window System, selecting the industrial surveillance document type and Communiqué No: 2026/9 as the legal basis. Electronic signature is mandatory; applications may also be submitted through the national e-government platform.

If electronic submission is not possible due to technical issues, physical applications may be accepted together with official company registration documentation. The administration may request original commercial invoices, transport documents, technical specifications, or additional evidence. Any inconsistency or missing information will delay issuance.

Customs Value Clarification and Practical Application

The Communiqué explicitly provides—in a separate provision—that the surveillance reference value does not substitute the customs value determined under general customs valuation rules.

In practice, for value-based surveillance measures only, importers may lawfully exceed the surveillance threshold by including legitimate overseas cost elements in the customs value (such as international freight, insurance, tooling or engineering costs, and other dutiable charges), provided these costs are properly documented and attributable to the imported goods.

Where the final customs value exceeds the reference value, customs clearance without a Surveillance Certificate is possible, and this approach is accepted by customs authorities in administrative practice, subject to adequate substantiation.

Validity and Legal Effect

Surveillance Certificates issued under this Communiqué are valid for six months. Possession of a certificate does not limit the customs administration’s authority to review or reassess the declared customs value under applicable valuation legislation.

Enforcement and Compliance Risk

Incorrect tariff classification, undervaluation, or incomplete disclosure of overseas costs may result in refusal of the certificate, clearance delays, or heightened post-clearance scrutiny. Given the technical and pricing variability of air compressor equipment, robust valuation support and accurate classification are essential to mitigate compliance risk.

Entry into Force

The Communiqué enters into force on the 30th day following its publication. Importers with shipments in transit or pending contracts should review pricing structures and documentation before declaration.

Compliance Assessment

This measure targets a narrow but high-value equipment category. Importers should perform a pre-import valuation analysis to determine whether a Surveillance Certificate is required or whether lawful inclusion of overseas cost elements can elevate the customs value above the threshold. Early planning will materially reduce clearance risk and administrative friction.

See relevant legislative document.