The United States market for Indian brass & metal handicrafts
The USA takes roughly 40% of Indian handicraft exports (EPCH). Brass and base-metal articles may fall under Section 232 copper/steel/aluminium derivative rules - check per HTS line. US duty on Indian goods as of 22 Oct 2026 (per our compliance research, secondary legal analysis): MFN rate plus a 10% Section 301 tariff in force since 24 Jul 2026; Section 232 goods (steel, aluminium, copper, autos/parts) pay the 232 rate instead. Re-verify before quoting landed cost.
Indian community in United States (Ministry of External Affairs estimate): 6,079,221 overseas Indians (PIO 3,767,737 + NRI 2,311,484) — largest PIO population worldwide.
Brass & Metal Handicrafts specification for United States orders
| Parameter | Typical export value |
|---|---|
| Metals | Brass, aluminium (cast/sheet), iron, copper, EPNS, stainless steel (typical) |
| Finishes | Antique brass, nickel, gold/silver plating, copper, powder coat, enamel, lacquer (typical) |
| Lacquer | Clear protective lacquer for tarnish resistance (typical) |
| Food contact | Barware/serveware: lead-free, food-safe plating or lining where required (typical) |
| Packaging | Drop-test-passed export cartons (ISTA on request) (typical) |
Final values are agreed per contract and checked against the United States requirements below, then confirmed by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Import requirements in United States
| Requirement | Regulator | Document / registration |
|---|---|---|
| Import permit / phytosanitary | USDA APHIS | APHIS permit (where required); PSC; ACIR tool; ISPM-15 WPM |
| Lacey Act | USDA APHIS / CBP | Lacey Act plant product declaration |
General guidance as of November 2026. Confirm with your customs broker or the regulator before shipping. Final regulatory decisions require professional verification.
Shipping brass & metal handicrafts to United States
Typical sea transit Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) → New York / New Jersey: 24-30 via Suez; 32-40 via Cape days. India-USEC services route via Suez/Med when open; FDA prior notice >=8h before arrival by sea
Supply window: Indian brass & metal handicrafts is mainly produced or harvested Year-round; US retail programmes booked 6-9 months ahead; Year-round; Christmas/Diwali decor orders Mar-Jul (ASSUMPTION). Allow 24-30 via Suez; 32-40 via Cape days at sea plus 5–10 days for inspection, export clearance and United States customs when you set delivery dates.
Container loading (estimate): 20' ~25-30 cbm, 40' HC ~60-68 cbm (volume-limited).
Quoted on FOB, FCA, CIF, DAP; CIF New York / New Jersey is the common choice for first orders.
Where buyers are in United States
| City | Port / airport | Buyer sectors |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | Port of New York and New Jersey (Newark/Elizabeth, Staten Island, Red Hook) · John F. Kenn | HORECA, Indian diaspora grocery & spice distributors, apparel/home-textile importers |
| Los Angeles | Port of Los Angeles / Port of Long Beach (San Pedro Bay) - largest US container gateway · | e-commerce 3PLs, apparel & home-textile importers (LA Fashion District), Indian diaspora grocers (Artesia) |
| Houston | Port Houston (Bayport & Barbours Cut container terminals) · George Bush Intercontinental ( | Indian diaspora grocery & restaurants, oilfield & engineering goods buyers (pipes, valves |
| Seattle | Northwest Seaport Alliance (Seattle & Tacoma) · Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | e-commerce sellers/3PLs, aerospace & engineering-component buyers, Indian diaspora grocers (Bellevue/Redmond/Kent) |
| Miami | PortMiami; Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) · Miami International (MIA) - top US internat | HORECA, Latin America re-export distributors, pharma/generics for LatAm |
| Charleston | Port of Charleston (SC Ports: Wando Welch, Hugh K. Leatherman terminals) · Charleston Inte | HORECA, auto-component & engineering importers, aerospace suppliers |
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to import brass & metal handicrafts into United States?
Key requirements: Import permit / phytosanitary — USDA APHIS (APHIS permit (where required); PSC; ACIR tool; ISPM-15 WPM); Lacey Act — USDA APHIS / CBP (Lacey Act plant product declaration). Your customs broker confirms the full list for your HS line.
How long does shipping from India to United States take?
Typically 24-30 via Suez; 32-40 via Cape days port-to-port from Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) to New York / New Jersey, plus 5–10 days for stuffing, export clearance and destination clearance (estimates).
Does United States have a trade agreement with India?
No FTA; BTA under negotiation (talks 1–4 Jun 2026) [S7]. Tariff on Indian goods as of 22 Oct 2026: MFN + 10% Section 301 (from 24 Jul 2026), or the Section 232 rate for steel/aluminium/autos/copper; IEEPA tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court 20 Feb 2026 — verify weekly [06 §C.3] A preferential certificate of origin is needed to claim any reduced duty.
Which HS code applies to brass & metal handicrafts from India?
Usually HS 830629. United States applies its own national tariff extension to the 6-digit code; confirm the full line with your broker.
Will brass decor tarnish?
Unlacquered brass develops a patina. A clear lacquer coat keeps the finish for longer.
Can you make our designs?
Yes. Send drawings or samples, approve a pre-production sample, and bulk follows.
Are serveware items food-safe?
Food-contact items need lead-free materials and suitable linings or plating, verified by migration tests.
Related guides
Request a quote: brass & metal handicrafts to United States
Tell us grade, quantity and your port in United States. We quote CIF/CFR with the destination documents listed above.