What India buys from Germany
India's main imports from Germany: machinery (US$5.53 bn), aircraft (US$2.92 bn), electrical equipment (US$2.06 bn), optical/medical instruments (US$1.83 bn), vehicles (US$1.14 bn) (calendar 2025, UN Comtrade).
Indian import 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 |
Policy watch
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.
Frequently asked questions
How do I import stainless steel flat products & special alloys from Germany to India?
Place the order with a verified Germany supplier, ship to an Indian port or ICD, and clear customs with an IEC and Importer-Exporter Code; GST; ICEGATE and Import policy classification. We manage supplier checks, shipment and clearance for you.
Is there a trade agreement between India and Germany?
No bilateral FTA (EU competence). India–EU FTA concluded 27 Jan 2026, signing expected Dec 2026, not yet in force — until then MFN tariffs apply [S7][S8]; India graduated from EU GSP for 2026–2028 (Reg. (EU) 2025/1909) so MFN duties apply until the FTA enters into force (expected 2027) [06 §C.4]
Where in Germany is stainless steel flat products & special alloys made?
Main hubs: Krefeld, Siegen, Werdohl. Nickel alloys, stainless and tool steels for process industries.
What HS code is used for importing stainless steel flat products & special alloys into India?
Usually HS 7219; confirm the 8-digit Indian tariff line and current duty on CBIC/ICEGATE with your customs broker.
Related
Source stainless steel flat products & special alloys from Germany
Specification, volume and delivery city in India.