India removes import restrictions on low-ash metallurgical coke
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- Move covers coke breeze and low-phosphorus nut coke
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- Restrictions involved coke with ash content lower than 18%
The Indian government has withdrawn import restrictions on low-ash metallurgical coke, making imports of the key steelmaking input freely permissible with immediate effect, according to a notification issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on 3 January 2026.
As per notification dated 3 January, the Centre has deleted Policy Condition No. 8 under Chapter 27 of the ITC (HS) 2022, thereby shifting the import policy for low-ash metallurgical coke from restricted to free.
The relaxation applies to metallurgical coke with ash content below 18%, including coke fines/coke breeze and ultra-low phosphorus metallurgical coke. The products fall under ITC (HS) codes 27040020, 27040030, 27040040, and 27040090, covering hard coke, soft coke, and other forms of coke derived from coal, lignite, or peat.
Notably, on 31 December last, imports of low-ash metallurgical coke (having ash content below 18%), including coke fines/coke breeze and ultra-low phosphorous coke, falling under ITC (HS) Codes 27040020, 27040030, 27040040 and 27040090 were “restricted” from 1 January to 30 June and were permitted only in accordance with Policy Condition No 8 of Chapter 27.
The withdrawal of restrictions will now benefit consumers of coke breeze and low-phosphorus nut coke as well.
Additionally, the Indian government has imposed a provisional anti-dumping duty on imports of low-ash metallurgical coke (with ash content below 18%) for a period of six months, aimed at protecting domestic producers from low-priced overseas supplies. The duty ranges between $60.87/t and $130.6/t, depending on the country of origin, and will apply to imports from China, Australia, Indonesia, Colombia, Japan, and Russia.
