DGFT Removes Import Restrictions on Low Ash Metallurgical Coke Import [Read Notification]

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has removed import restrictions on Low Ash Metallurgical (LAM) Coke which serves as an essential raw material for the steel, and metal-processing industries.

The decision, communicated by the Directorate through a notification dated 03rd January, 2025 DGFT liberalises the import norms for items of Low Ash Metallurgical Coke that are covered under Chapter 27 of the Indian Trade Classification (Harmonised System) [ITC (HS)], 2022, Schedule I (Import Policy).

The relevant items covered under this revision fall under the following HS codes:

27040020 - Coke and semi-coke of lignite or of peat

27040030 - Hard coke of coal

27040040 - Soft coke of coal

27040090 - Other varieties of coke

Earlier, imports of metallurgical coke under Chapter 27 of ITC (HS) were classified as “Restricted”, with their import being subject to Policy Condition No. 8 of the same chapter.

The previous import norms also specified authorisation and were tightly regulated due to their use in energy-intensive industries, and to prevent non-core consumption or re-export.

Low Ash Metallurgical Coke is an essential input material within the iron and steel industry, where it is used as a fuel and reducing agent in blast furnaces. The quality of the Metallurgical Coke is determined by its low ash content (below 18%) which improves metal yield and energy efficiency.

India, despite having domestic coking coal reserves, continues to remain a net importer of high-quality metallurgical coke due to the inferior coking characteristics of indigenous coal. Major imports traditionally come from countries such as China and Australia while domestic production largely caters to foundries and secondary steel producers.

The notification also notes that there are no revised policy conditions applicable to the items under these HS codes.

The notification was issued with the approval of the Minister of Commerce & Industry Lav Agarwal, Director General of Foreign Trade & Ex-Officio Additional Secretary to the Government of India.