How to source metal
products from India.
A step-by-step procurement guide for international buyers, from supplier verification to customs clearance. Written by a manufacturer, not a consultant.
From RFQ to delivery, what each step requires
International procurement from India follows a standard sequence. Each step below includes the specific checks that separate a reliable order from a problem one.
Identify and verify the manufacturer
Confirm that the supplier is a direct manufacturer, not a trader reselling from multiple factories. A direct manufacturer controls quality, pricing and delivery. Ask for: factory photos with timestamps, ISO 9001:2015 certificate (verify the certificate number with the issuing body), RCMC/EEPC registration (mandatory for Indian exporters), and a recent Bill of Lading showing export shipment history.
Verification checklist
- Factory address matches the GST registration
- ISO certificate is current (not expired or suspended)
- RCMC/EEPC membership is active
- Willing to allow third-party factory inspection (SGS, Bureau Veritas, TÜV)
If a supplier cannot provide a factory address and GST number, or refuses pre-shipment inspection, they are almost certainly a trading company.
Issue a detailed RFQ
A vague RFQ gets a vague quote. Specify: product name and type, material grade (IS 2062 E250, SS 304, Cu-ETP), dimensions and tolerances, surface finish (HDG to ASTM A123, powder coat, mill finish), applicable standards (IEC, ASTM, IS, BS, EN), quantity, preferred Incoterm (FOB/CIF/CFR), destination port, and required documentation (MTC, COO, fumigation certificate).
Verification checklist
- Material grade specified, not just 'mild steel' or 'stainless steel'
- Finish specified with standard reference, not just 'galvanized'
- Testing and documentation requirements listed upfront
- Delivery timeline and Incoterm stated
Evaluate quotations
Compare landed cost, not unit price. A lower FOB price with longer lead time and a port 600 km from the factory often costs more than a marginally higher FOB from a manufacturer near the port. Key factors: unit price at the stated Incoterm, lead time (production + transit), minimum order quantity, payment terms (typically 30% advance + 70% against BL copy, or LC at sight), and whether the quoted price includes packaging, documentation and loading.
Verification checklist
- Price includes export packing (wooden crate or palletised bundle)
- MTC, COO and packing list are included, not charged separately
- Lead time is realistic (4–8 weeks for fabricated steel is standard)
- Payment terms are documented in the proforma invoice
Pre-production and in-process inspection
Before production begins, approve a pre-production sample or detailed shop drawing with dimensions and tolerances marked. For large orders (>5 tonnes), arrange a third-party inspection at three stages: raw material verification (check mill certificates against delivered steel), in-process dimensional check, and final pre-dispatch inspection covering surface finish, packing and documentation.
Verification checklist
- Raw material MTCs match the specification in your PO
- Dimensional inspection report at mid-production
- Coating thickness measured by XRF gauge (not visual)
- Final inspection before packing, with photos
Shipping and logistics
Indian metal exports ship primarily from Haldia (near Kolkata), JNPT/Nhava Sheva (Mumbai), Mundra and Chennai. Kolkata-area manufacturers like Vajra International ship from Haldia port, transit times: UAE 8–10 days, Europe 18–22 days, USA East Coast 28–32 days, Australia 14–18 days. Containerised shipments (20ft/40ft) are standard for fabricated products. Breakbulk is used for oversized tower sections or structural steel that exceeds container dimensions.
Verification checklist
- Shipping line and vessel name confirmed before loading
- Container loading supervised (photos of loading sequence)
- BL, commercial invoice, packing list issued within 48 hours of sailing
- Insurance arranged (CIF) or buyer's responsibility documented (FOB/CFR)
Documentation and customs clearance
A complete export documentation package from an Indian manufacturer includes: commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading (BL), Material Test Certificate (MTC), Certificate of Origin (COO), either non-preferential or preferential under applicable FTA, fumigation certificate (for wooden packing), and any product-specific test reports. All documents are issued in English. HS codes are pre-classified for every product line.
Verification checklist
- HS codes match your country's tariff schedule
- COO format matches your country's preferential trade agreement (if applicable)
- All documents received before vessel arrival at destination
- Fumigation certificate included if wooden packing is used
Red flags when evaluating an Indian metal supplier
Any one of these should trigger further investigation. Two or more together, walk away.
Will not provide a factory address or allow factory visits
ISO certificate cannot be verified online with the certifying body
Quotes unusually low prices (30%+ below market) with no explanation
Refuses pre-shipment inspection or third-party testing
Cannot provide recent Bills of Lading for similar products
Asks for 100% advance payment with no bank guarantee
Cannot name the port of loading or shipping line
MTCs are photocopies with no batch-specific data
What you get when you source from us
We are a direct manufacturer, not a trading company. Every product ships from our own factory in Howrah, Kolkata.
Direct manufacturer
Own factory, own equipment, own galvanizing. No middlemen.
ISO 9001:2015 certified
Verified quality management system, certificate available on request.
EEPC/RCMC registered
Active export licence and membership with Engineering Export Promotion Council.
Third-party inspection welcome
SGS, Bureau Veritas, TÜV or your nominated inspector, anytime.
Full documentation
MTC, COO, packing list, commercial invoice, BL, all in English, pre-classified HS codes.
FOB / CIF / CFR
All three Incoterms supported. We handle export packing, customs and loading at Haldia.
Ready to source? Start with an RFQ.
Tell us the product, specification, quantity and your preferred Incoterm. You'll get a structured quotation with MTC, COO and logistics already factored in.
- MTC · COO · inspection reports
- ±0.01 mm precision · in-house QA
- FOB · CIF · CFR to all major ports