Indian import policy
As of 2026-11: RESTRICTIVE. (1) BIS QCOs cover 150+ steel products, including stainless flat products to IS 6911 (confirm current list) — the foreign mill needs a BIS licence and material must be marked. (2) Definitive safeguard duty on non-alloy and alloy flat steel: 12% (21 Apr 2025–20 Apr 2026), 11.5% (to 20 Apr 2027), 11% (to 20 Apr 2028), Notification 02/2025-Customs (SG) of 30 Dec 2025 — stainless coverage not confirmed. (3) ADD on several steel lines (e.g. seamless tubes sunset review, final findings 23 Oct 2026). Sources: https://www.bigmint.co/insights/detail/india-imposes-three-year-safeguard-duty-on-flat-steel-imports-710177; https://www.bis.gov.in/product-certification/products-under-compulsory-certification/; http://www.dgtr.gov.in/en.
Check the current DGFT, BIS and CBIC notifications before contracting.
Importing stainless steel flat products & special alloys into India: requirements
| Requirement | Authority | Document |
|---|---|---|
| Importer-Exporter Code; GST; ICEGATE | DGFT / GSTN / CBIC | IEC; GSTIN; ICEGATE DSC registration |
| Import policy classification | DGFT | ITC(HS) policy: Free/Restricted/Prohibited/STE; import authorisation if Restricted |
| Customs declaration & duty | CBIC / ICEGATE | Bill of Entry; BCD + AIDC + SWS(10% of BCD) + IGST |
| Trusted trader status | CBIC | AEO-T1/T2/T3/LO |
Import trend
DGFT 'Iron & steel' FY25 22,640 -> FY26 21,481 (-5.1%); CY2025 volume 9.59 Mt (-13%) after 12% safeguard; China -48%, Japan -22%
Where Indian buyers are
Gujarat — Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Jamnagar, Bharuch. Chemical-process equipment fabricators and refineries
Maharashtra — Mumbai, Pune, Nashik. Stainless traders, process-equipment and pharma fabricators
Haryana / Delhi — Hisar, Delhi (Wazirpur). Stainless re-rolling and utensil hubs
Tamil Nadu — Chennai, Tiruchirappalli. Boilers, power equipment and heavy fabrication
Frequently asked questions
Do stainless steel imports into India need BIS certification?
Yes for products under the steel QCOs, which include stainless flat products to IS 6911 (check the current list). The overseas mill must hold a BIS licence and the material must carry the mark.
Does India's steel safeguard duty apply to stainless steel?
The definitive safeguard notified on 30 December 2025 covers non-alloy and alloy flat products at 12%, then 11.5% and 11% over three years. We could not confirm whether stainless grades are covered; check the notification annex for your HS code.
Which steel grades are still worth importing into India?
Mainly grades with little Indian production — some duplex and super-austenitic stainless, nickel alloys, certain electrical steels and tool steels — for process-industry and energy buyers.
What certificates should come with imported stainless steel?
EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificates, a BIS licence copy for QCO-covered grades, and for critical service, 3.2 certificates or third-party inspection reports.
Import routes
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