HS 72Metals · India

HS Code for Iron & Steel - Import into India

Q: What is the typical import duty on metals (HS 72) into India?

India applies an MFN duty of about 7.5% on HS chapter 72 at the 6-digit line. National tariff schedules add 2–4 further digits, so the exact rate can shift once you confirm the 8- or 10-digit code. Preferential rates under FTAs (Basic Customs Duty (BCD) + Social Welfare Surcharge (10% of BCD) + IGST + AIDC where applicable) may reduce this to 0% for qualifying origins.

Q: How is IGST calculated on imports of metals in India?

India charges IGST at 18% on the assessable value (CIF + landing uplift) plus duty. AV = CIF + 1% landing; IGST on AV + BCD

Q: What is the landed cost of a USD 120,000 FOB shipment of metals into India?

On a USD 120,000 FOB parcel with ~8% freight and 0.5% insurance, CIF works out to USD 132,000. Applying 7.5% duty and 18% IGST brings total taxes to about USD 35,796 (~27.1% of CIF). Landed at buyer's warehouse ≈ USD 170,196.

Q: Which HS code should I use for metals in India?

Start with the 6-digit international HS heading - for example 7208.39 (Flat-rolled steel, hot-rolled, ≥ 600mm wide, thickness < 3mm). India customs then requires the full national code (8-digit ITC(HS)). Confirm the exact line with your licensed customs broker before filing.

Q: Which Incoterm is best for shipping metals to India?

Most importers into India prefer CIF or CFR for sea freight so the seller arranges main-carriage transport, while retaining control of destination clearance. DDP shifts import duty and IGST to the seller - attractive to buyers but often priced with a risk premium. Compare all 11 Incoterms with our Landed Cost by HS & Country tool.

Q: What documents does India customs need to clear HS 72?

India uses the ITC(HS) - 8-digit codes based on the 6-digit WCO HS heading. First 6 digits align globally; digits 7-8 are India-specific. Regulated commodities may also require a health certificate, phytosanitary certificate or import licence depending on the exact HS line.

Duty and tax snapshot for importing metals (HS 72) into India. Typical MFN duty ~7.5%, IGST 18% on assessable value + duty. Decision-support only - confirm the 10-digit line and preferential status with your broker.

Typical duty

7.5%

IGST

18%

Total taxes / CIF

27.1%

Worked landed-cost example

USD 120,000 FOB parcel of metals (HS 72) shipped to India.

FOB valueUSD 120,000

Origin chargesUSD 1,800

FreightUSD 9,600

InsuranceUSD 600

CIFUSD 132,000

Assessable value (CIF + 1% landing)USD 133,320

Import duty @ 7.5%USD 9,999

IGST @ 18%USD 25,797

Destination inlandUSD 2,400

Landed cost ≈ USD 170,196

Run your own numbers in the Landed Cost by HS & Country tool.

Sample HS codes

Code	Description
7208.39	Flat-rolled steel, hot-rolled, ≥ 600mm wide, thickness < 3mm
7209.17	Flat-rolled steel, cold-rolled, ≥ 600mm wide, 0.5-1mm
7213.91	Bars and rods, hot-rolled, circular cross-section < 14mm
7214.20	Bars and rods, deformed (rebar)
7217.10	Wire of iron/non-alloy steel, not plated
7225.30	Flat-rolled alloy steel, hot-rolled, ≥ 600mm wide

India duty regime

Basic Customs Duty (BCD) + Social Welfare Surcharge (10% of BCD) + IGST + AIDC where applicable. Preferential rates under India-UAE CEPA, India-Australia ECTA, ASEAN, SAFTA and APTA.

Customs notes

· India uses the ITC(HS) - 8-digit codes based on the 6-digit WCO HS heading. First 6 digits align globally; digits 7-8 are India-specific.
· Customs valuation follows the Customs Valuation (Determination of Value of Imported Goods) Rules, 2007 - broadly WTO transaction value with adjustments.
· SWS (Social Welfare Surcharge) is 10% of BCD (0% on many petroleum/gold lines). Health cess of 5% applies to specific medical devices.
· Assessable value = CIF + 1% landing charges (this 1% add-on was removed post-2017 for most goods but persists in specific tariff lines - verify per HS).

Frequently asked questions

What is the typical import duty on metals (HS 72) into India?

India applies an MFN duty of about 7.5% on HS chapter 72 at the 6-digit line. National tariff schedules add 2–4 further digits, so the exact rate can shift once you confirm the 8- or 10-digit code. Preferential rates under FTAs (Basic Customs Duty (BCD) + Social Welfare Surcharge (10% of BCD) + IGST + AIDC where applicable) may reduce this to 0% for qualifying origins.

How is IGST calculated on imports of metals in India?

India charges IGST at 18% on the assessable value (CIF + landing uplift) plus duty. AV = CIF + 1% landing; IGST on AV + BCD

What is the landed cost of a USD 120,000 FOB shipment of metals into India?

On a USD 120,000 FOB parcel with ~8% freight and 0.5% insurance, CIF works out to USD 132,000. Applying 7.5% duty and 18% IGST brings total taxes to about USD 35,796 (~27.1% of CIF). Landed at buyer's warehouse ≈ USD 170,196.

Which HS code should I use for metals in India?

Start with the 6-digit international HS heading - for example 7208.39 (Flat-rolled steel, hot-rolled, ≥ 600mm wide, thickness < 3mm). India customs then requires the full national code (8-digit ITC(HS)). Confirm the exact line with your licensed customs broker before filing.

Which Incoterm is best for shipping metals to India?

Most importers into India prefer CIF or CFR for sea freight so the seller arranges main-carriage transport, while retaining control of destination clearance. DDP shifts import duty and IGST to the seller - attractive to buyers but often priced with a risk premium. Compare all 11 Incoterms with our Landed Cost by HS & Country tool.

What documents does India customs need to clear HS 72?

India uses the ITC(HS) - 8-digit codes based on the 6-digit WCO HS heading. First 6 digits align globally; digits 7-8 are India-specific. Regulated commodities may also require a health certificate, phytosanitary certificate or import licence depending on the exact HS line.