Metals
How to Import Molybdenum from Canada to India: Duties, HS Codes & Logistics
Centura Insights · 2026-03-05
India is a major consumer of molybdenum for its growing alloy steel, stainless steel, and tool steel industries, but domestic primary production is limited - so most molybdenum is imported. Canada is an attractive origin thanks to its stable supply, quality documentation, and Pacific gateway at Vancouver. This guide walks Indian buyers through importing molybdenum from Canada end to end.
Note: duty rates and regulations change. Always confirm the current rate of Basic Customs Duty (BCD), Social Welfare Surcharge, and IGST with your customs house agent (CHA) or the Indian customs tariff before finalising a contract. Centura Worldwide confirms the applicable classification and landed-cost basis on every quotation.
Step 1: Classify the product (HS codes)
The correct HS code (ITC-HS in India) depends on the molybdenum form. Getting this right determines duty and avoids clearance delays.
| Molybdenum form | HS code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ferromolybdenum | 7202.70 | Ferroalloy used for steelmaking |
| Molybdenum oxide (MoO3) | 2825.70 / 2841.70 | Oxide vs molybdate distinction |
| Unwrought molybdenum, powder | 8102.10 | Metal powder and unwrought |
| Bars, rods, plate, sheet, targets | 8102.94 / 8102.95 | Wrought mill products |
| Wire | 8102.96 | Drawn wire |
| Molybdenum disulfide | 2830.90 / 3824.99 | Lubricant grade chemical |
Step 2: Understand the landed cost
Landed cost is more than the product price. Build your estimate from the CIF value plus the duty stack and local charges. We provide a transparent landed-cost worksheet with every quote so there are no surprises at clearance.
- Product price (linked to the global molybdenum oxide reference)
- Ocean or air freight and insurance to the Indian port
- Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on the assessable value
- Social Welfare Surcharge on the BCD
- IGST on (assessable value + duties), creditable for GST-registered buyers
- Port, CHA, and inland transport charges
Step 3: Prepare documentation
Indian customs clearance is documentation-driven. A complete, consistent document set is the single biggest factor in fast clearance.
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of lading (ocean) or airway bill
- Certificate of origin (supports preferential treatment where applicable)
- Mill test certificate / certificate of analysis
- Importer IEC (Import Export Code) and GSTIN
- Insurance certificate
Step 4: Choose port and routing
Most molybdenum moves by ocean freight in drums, jumbo bags, or crates. Common discharge ports are Nhava Sheva (JNPT) and Mundra on the west coast and Chennai on the east. Urgent or high-value items such as sputtering targets can move by air. From Vancouver, Pacific routings to west-coast Indian ports are typically efficient.
Step 5: Clear customs and take delivery
Your CHA files the Bill of Entry, customs assesses duty, you pay duties and IGST, and goods are released for inland delivery. Centura Worldwide aligns the export documents with your CHA in advance to keep clearance smooth, and provides shipment tracking through delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HS code for importing molybdenum into India?
It depends on the form: ferromolybdenum 7202.70; molybdenum oxide 2825.70/2841.70; unwrought metal and powder 8102.10; bars, plate, sheet, and targets 8102.94/8102.95; wire 8102.96; molybdenum disulfide 2830.90/3824.99. Confirm the exact ITC-HS line with your CHA.
What duties apply to molybdenum imports in India?
Imports are subject to Basic Customs Duty, Social Welfare Surcharge, and IGST. Rates vary by HS line and change over time, so confirm the current tariff. IGST is generally creditable for GST-registered importers.
Which Indian ports do you ship to?
Commonly Nhava Sheva (JNPT), Mundra, and Chennai, with air freight available for urgent or high-value items.
How long does shipping from Canada to India take?
Ocean transit typically runs several weeks depending on routing and port pairs, plus production and clearance time. We provide an estimated timeline with each quote.
Key Takeaways
Apply these insights to improve sourcing execution, reduce risk, and deliver consistent supply outcomes.
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