How to Import Steel from India to the US
Importing Steel, Iron & Metal Products from India
Importing steel from India into the United States carries high compliance risk, with an effective duty rate of 25% Section 232 + MFN + AD/CVD on select products. Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs (25% / 10%) apply to relevant steel sub-categories — verify your HTS code against current Section 232 annexes before entry. AD/CVD orders may apply to specific steel sub-categories — verify against CBP's ADD/CVD portal before importing.
Steel imported from India to the United States is subject to CBP entry requirements, applicable HTS-based duty rates, and agency compliance clearances. This guide covers the complete import process for 2026.
India faces full Section 232. Active AD/CVD orders on Indian cold-rolled steel, hot-rolled steel, steel pipes, and other products. Some Indian steel products face combined effective duties exceeding 50% when Section 232 + AD/CVD stack.
Get an Exact Duty Estimate
Enter your product value and origin country to get the exact duty stack including MFN, Section 301, Section 232, and applicable FTA rates.
Estimated Landed Cost: Steel from India
Based on a representative $50,000 CIF shipment value. Actual costs vary by HTS code, entry type, and port of entry.
| Cost Component | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Value (CIF) | $50,000.00 | Reference shipment value |
| MFN Base Duty (25.0%) | $12,500.00 | MFN column, Schedule B |
| Merchandise Processing Fee (0.3464%) | $173.20 | Min $31.67 / max $614.35 |
| Harbor Maintenance Fee (0.125%) | $62.50 | Ocean freight only |
| Total Duties & Fees | $12,735.70 | Effective rate: 25.5% |
| Estimated Landed Cost | $62,735.70 | Cargo + all US duties/fees |
⚠ Section 232 tariffs (25% steel / 10% aluminum) may apply to steel sub-categories with significant steel or aluminum content. Not included above — verify by specific HTS code.
Excludes freight, insurance, broker fees, warehousing, and AD/CVD duties. Use the Duty Calculator for a precise estimate on your specific shipment.
HTS Codes for Steel Imports
The following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes typically apply to steel imports. Exact classification depends on the specific product — misclassification is one of the most common CBP compliance errors.
| HTS Code | Product Description | MFN Base Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 7208–7212 | Flat-Rolled Steel (hot-rolled, cold-rolled, coated sheet/coil) | 0%–3.5% MFN + 25% Sec. 232 |
| 7213–7229 | Bars, Rods & Wire (long products) | 0%–3% MFN + 25% Sec. 232 |
| 7301–7307 | Steel Pipes, Tubes & Fittings | 0%–5.6% MFN + 25% Sec. 232 |
| 7601–7607 | Aluminum Wrought Products | 2.8%–6.5% MFN + 10% Sec. 232 |
| 7318 | Steel Fasteners (bolts, screws, nuts) | 0%–6.2% MFN; some AD/CVD |
MFN rates reflect base tariff. Additional duties (Section 301, Section 232, AD/CVD) may apply on top of MFN rates. Use the AI classifier to get the exact 10-digit HTS code and all applicable rates for your specific product.
Total Tariff Cost for India-Origin Steel
| Duty Layer | Rate / Status | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| MFN Base Rate | Varies by HTS code | All India-origin goods (baseline) |
| Section 301 | Not applicable | India-origin goods are not subject to Section 301 |
| Section 232 (Steel/Aluminum) | 25% steel / 10% aluminum | Steel and aluminum imports from India |
Get Your Exact Total Duty Rate
Our calculator handles all duty layers — MFN + Section 301 + Section 232 + FTA rates — for any HTS code from any origin country.
US Compliance Requirements for Steel Imports
Regardless of origin country, steel imports must satisfy the following US regulatory requirements before or at the time of CBP entry filing:
- Section 232 national security tariffs: 25% on most steel, 10% on aluminum — stacks on MFN base rate
- Antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) orders active on steel from many countries — check Commerce enforcement database
- Country of origin must reflect where steel was melted and poured — transshipment through third countries heavily scrutinized by CBP
- Mill certificates (chemistry, mechanical properties, heat number) required for most structural steel imports
Run an automated compliance check for your steel import — identifies all applicable agency requirements, flagging issues before your shipment departs India.
Run Compliance Check →Documentation Checklist for Steel from India
Prepare all documents before the shipment departs India. Missing or incorrect documents are the #1 cause of CBP holds and customs delays.
Generate Your Document Checklist
Get a customized document checklist based on your specific HTS code, origin country, and product category.
Import Timeline — Steel from India
15–45 days (ocean freight); 7–14 days (truck from Canada/Mexico)
FAQs — Importing Steel from India
Free Tools for Steel Importers
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Import duty rates are sourced from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists. Rates reflect current published schedules as of 2026-05-16 and are subject to change. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or customs brokerage advice. Verify rates with a licensed customs broker before importing.