Stainless Steel Pipes HS Code – Complete 2025 Guide
India’s stainless steel industry is one of the fastest-growing in the world, supplying pipes, tubes, and fittings to domestic and export markets. Among the various grades available, stainless steel pipes stand out as a cost-effective and durable choice for a wide range of applications — from plumbing to fabrication.
However, for importers, exporters, and manufacturers, understanding the HS code (Harmonized System Code) is crucial for classification, taxation, and compliance with international trade laws.
This detailed 2,500-word guide covers everything about the HS Code for stainless steel pipes, its classification, import/export duty rates, pricing, and usage in India and globally.
What Is an HS Code?
The HS Code (Harmonized System Code) is a standardized numerical classification system developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO). It is used globally to identify and categorize traded goods for taxation, customs clearance, and statistical purposes.
Each HS code consists of six digits, with the first two representing the product category, the next two the sub-category, and the final two the specific item. Many countries, including India, extend this code to eight digits for additional specification.
For stainless steel pipes, this classification determines import duty, GST, and other customs procedures.
HS Code for Stainless Steel Pipes
The HS code for stainless steel pipes falls under Chapter 73 of the Indian Customs Tariff, which covers “Articles of Iron or Steel.”
Base HS Code:
7306 – Other tubes, pipes and hollow profiles of iron or steel, welded, of circular cross-section.
For stainless steel pipes, the specific HS code classification is:
HS Code: 7306.40.00
Description: Tubes, pipes and hollow profiles, of stainless steel.
Extended 8-Digit Code (India):
7306.40.00.11 – Welded stainless steel pipes and tubes of circular cross-section.
7306.40.00.19 – Other stainless steel pipes and tubes.
Thus, 202 stainless steel pipes are generally classified under HS Code 7306.40.00 for customs and taxation in India.
HS Code Breakdown (For Better Understanding)
| Code Section | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 73 | Articles of Iron or Steel |
| 7306 | Tubes, pipes, hollow profiles of iron or steel |
| 730640 | Stainless steel pipes and tubes |
| 73064000 | Other tubes and pipes of stainless steel |
Import Duty on Stainless Steel Pipes in India (2025)
Import duties vary based on country of origin, trade agreements, and current customs policy. Below are the standard Indian import duties applicable to stainless steel pipes:
| Duty Type | Rate (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Basic Customs Duty (BCD) | 7.5% |
| IGST (Integrated GST) | 18% |
| Social Welfare Surcharge | 10% on BCD |
| Total Approx. Landing Cost | 26–30% (including freight and insurance) |
Note: Under certain Free Trade Agreements (FTA), like India–ASEAN or India–Korea, import duty may be reduced or waived.
Key Specifications of Stainless Steel Pipes
Grade 202 stainless steel is an austenitic chromium-nickel-manganese alloy known for its balance between cost and performance.
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASTM A312 / A554 |
| Composition | 16–18% Chromium, 4–6% Nickel, 7.5–10% Manganese |
| Density | 7.80 g/cm³ |
| Yield Strength | 275 MPa |
| Tensile Strength | 515 MPa |
| Elongation | 40% |
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate |
| Finish | Polished / Satin / Mirror |
| Forms | Seamless, Welded, Round, Square, Rectangular |
Why Stainless Steel Pipes Are Popular
-
Cost-Effective Alternative:
Cheaper than 304 grade while offering comparable mechanical strength. -
Good Weldability and Formability:
Easily fabricated for furniture, railings, and architectural works. -
Sufficient Corrosion Resistance:
Suitable for indoor and moderate outdoor environments. -
Availability:
Produced widely by Indian mills and easily available with dealers and stockists.
Applications of Stainless Steel Pipes
stainless steel pipes are versatile and used across multiple industries in India and abroad:
-
Furniture and Fabrication
-
Handrails and Railings
-
Automotive Exhaust Systems
-
Water Lines and General Plumbing
-
Construction and Architecture
-
Textile and Dairy Equipment
-
Industrial Frames and Supports
Top Stainless Steel Pipe Dealers and Manufacturers in India (2025)
-
Jindal Stainless Ltd. – India’s largest stainless steel manufacturer producing grade 202 and 304 pipes.
-
Venus Pipes & Tubes Ltd. (Gujarat) – Known for welded and seamless SS pipes.
-
Apex Tubes Pvt. Ltd. (Faridabad) – Supplies polished stainless pipes for furniture and railing use.
-
Ratnamani Metals & Tubes Ltd. (Ahmedabad) – Leading exporter of industrial-grade SS tubes.
-
Shubhlaxmi Metals & Tubes (Mumbai) – Manufacturer of ASTM A554 202 pipes.
-
Laxcon Steels Ltd. (Ahmedabad) – Specializes in stainless steel long products and pipes.
-
Salem Stainless Steel Suppliers (Chennai) – Major distributor in South India.
Most of these companies export globally and comply with ISO 9001 and ASTM standards.
Price List of Stainless Steel Pipes (2025)
Prices depend on diameter, thickness, finish, and quantity. Below are approximate retail prices in India as of November 2025:
| Pipe Type | Size (mm) | Thickness (mm) | Price (₹/kg) | Price (₹/meter) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round Pipe | 25 | 1.5 | ₹200–₹220 | ₹420–₹480 |
| Round Pipe | 50 | 2.0 | ₹220–₹240 | ₹800–₹950 |
| Square Pipe | 25×25 | 1.2 | ₹190–₹210 | ₹380–₹420 |
| Rectangular Pipe | 50×25 | 1.5 | ₹200–₹230 | ₹500–₹600 |
| Mirror Finish | 38 | 1.5 | ₹230–₹250 | ₹700–₹850 |
Note: Prices may vary based on location, GST, and dealer margin.
HS Code Relevance for Exporters
When exporting, it’s essential to declare the correct HS code to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with customs documentation.
Exporters must include the HS code 7306.40.00 in the shipping bill, invoice, and packing list.
Under ITC (HS) classification, stainless steel tubes and pipes are covered under:
-
Chapter: 73 (Articles of Iron or Steel)
-
Heading: 7306
-
Sub-heading: 73064000 – Stainless Steel Tubes and Pipes
Global Trade Perspective
India exports stainless steel pipes to more than 90 countries, including the USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Singapore.
According to the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S), India exported over $1.2 billion worth of stainless steel pipes and tubes in 2024.
202 grade accounts for nearly 35% of domestic demand, making it one of the most traded grades in the market.
Summary
The HS code for stainless steel pipes is 7306.40.00, which classifies them as “tubes and pipes of stainless steel.”
These pipes are widely used across industries due to their affordability, durability, and moderate corrosion resistance.
When importing or exporting, it’s essential to mention this HS code for customs clearance and to determine accurate duty rates.
India’s stainless steel market remains strong in 2025, driven by infrastructure and export demand, with local manufacturers such as Jindal, Venus, and Ratnamani leading the supply chain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the HS Code for stainless steel pipes?
The HS Code is 7306.40.00 for stainless steel pipes and tubes.
Q2. What is the import duty on stainless steel pipes in India?
Approximately 7.5% basic customs duty plus 18% IGST and 10% social welfare surcharge.
Q3. What are the applications of stainless steel pipes?
They are used in railings, furniture, water lines, and general fabrication.
Q4. How is 202 different from 304 stainless steel?
Grade 202 contains manganese instead of high nickel, making it more affordable but slightly less corrosion-resistant.
Q5. What are the standard sizes of SS pipes?
Sizes range from 12 mm to 200 mm diameter with thickness from 0.8 mm to 5 mm.
Q6. Which cities in India supply stainless steel pipes?
Major suppliers are located in Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Faridabad.