India and Vietnam have become core emerging manufacturing hubs in South and Southeast Asia. The rapid expansion of automotive, plastic injection molding, die-casting, and consumer electronics industries has triggered surging market demand for high-quality mold steel. Common mainstream grades include P20, H13, 718 S136, and SKD61, covering standard and custom alloy tool steel for industrial mold production.
However, importing mold steel to India and Vietnam involves strict tariff regulations, customs classification rules, documentary requirements, and professional logistics operations. Many global exporters encounter customs detention, extra charges, delivery delays, or even cargo rejection due to unfamiliar local import policies.
This updated 2026 guide provides accurate tariff data, official HS codes, clearance documents, practical shipping solutions, and risk-avoidance tips to help you conduct mold steel import and export business in India and Vietnam in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
1. Standard HS Codes for Mold Steel Import
Accurate HS code classification is the premise of correct tariff calculation and smooth customs clearance. The universally accepted HS codes for industrial alloy mold steel and tool steel are listed below:
HS 722840: Alloy tool steel bars and profiles (primary code for regular mold steel)
HS 722850: Alloy tool steel plates and flat sheets
HS 7229: Special alloy steel wires and finished mold steel blanks
Note: Different processing statuses, including pre-hardened, tempered, polished, and rough-machined mold steel, will not change the core HS code, but will affect customs inspection standards in India and Vietnam.
2. 2026 Latest Import Tariff: India vs Vietnam
Tariff cost is the most critical factor affecting cross-border mold steel trading. Below is the verified and updated tariff standard for mold steel exported to India and Vietnam in 2026.
2.1 India Mold Steel Import Tariff
India maintains stable tariff policies for industrial steel materials to support the upgrading of local manufacturing industries. The detailed tax structure for alloy mold steel is as follows:
Basic Customs Duty (BCD): Fixed at 7.5% for mainstream alloy mold steel
GST: 18%, calculated based on CIF value plus basic customs duty
Additional Cess & Surcharge: 0.5%–1.2%
Total Comprehensive Tax Rate: Approximately 26.8% of CIF value
Key Tip for India Customs: Precisely machined mold steel finished parts have higher inspection rates. Raw mold steel bars and plates enjoy the lowest customs risk and comprehensive import cost.
2.2 Vietnam Mold Steel Import Tariff
Vietnam adopts preferential tariff policies for industrial raw materials to attract global supply chain resources and boost domestic processing and manufacturing. Supported by multiple free trade agreements, mold steel enjoys favorable tax treatment:
Basic Import Duty: 0% for thick mold steel (carbon content >0.3%, thickness ≥10mm); 5% for thin steel sheets
VAT: 10% (uniform tax rate for industrial raw materials)
Special Consumption Tax: Exempted for raw mold steel materials
Total Comprehensive Tax Rate: 10%–15% of CIF value
Key Tip for Vietnam Customs: Bulk raw mold steel imports can enjoy zero-tariff benefits under FTA terms, making Vietnam far more cost-effective than India for large-volume procurement.
3. Mandatory Documents for Customs Clearance
Complete and standard documents are essential to avoid cargo detention, fines, and return shipments. The following documents are required for mold steel import clearance in both India and Vietnam:
Commercial Invoice (with detailed steel grade, specifications, weight, and unit price)
Packing List (detailed gross weight, net weight, and package quantity)
Bill of Lading (B/L)
Certificate of Origin (FORM E for preferential tariff deduction)
Material Test Certificate (MTC / Mill Certificate) – mandatory for all mold steel shipments
Export Declaration Form
Product Specification Sheet (including chemical composition, hardness, and material parameters)
Special Reminder: Indian customs strictly verify the chemical composition and hardness data of mold steel. Shipment without complete MTC documents will be detained directly.
4. Logistics Solutions & Shipping Guidelines
Mold steel features high density and heavy weight, and is prone to rust and extrusion deformation during transportation. Professional logistics arrangement ensures cargo safety, stable lead time, and controlled cost.
4.1 Shipping Methods & Lead Time
For Vietnam Market
Sea Freight: 3–7 days (Haiphong Port / Ho Chi Minh Port)
Land Truck Freight: 2–4 days for cross-border delivery
Best for: Bulk orders of mold steel bars and plates
For India Market
Sea Freight: 18–25 days (Nhava Sheva Port / Chennai Port)
Air Freight: 3–5 days for urgent small-batch orders
Best for: High-precision mold steel and emergency replenishment
4.2 Packaging & Cargo Protection Tips
Wrap goods with waterproof and rust-proof film to prevent surface oxidation and rust
Reinforce steel bars and plates with steel strapping to avoid deformation during transit
Mark clear steel grade, weight, and shipping labels for fast customs identification
5. Common Import Challenges & Professional Solutions
5.1 HS Code Classification Disputes
Many exporters incorrectly classify mold steel as ordinary carbon steel, resulting in tariff discrepancies and high inspection risks.Solution: Declare strictly according to alloy tool steel HS codes and attach complete official material test reports.
5.2 Rust & Quality Inspection Failure
Customs of India and Vietnam will reject cargo with obvious surface rust or quality defects. Solution: Adopt standardized anti-rust packaging and conduct pre-shipment quality inspection.
5.3 Incorrect Tariff Declaration
Unreasonable CIF value declaration may lead to over-taxation or customs audit. Solution: Declare the actual transaction value and apply for tariff concessions with FORM E certificate.
6. Market Opportunity Analysis
Vietnam is the fastest-growing mold steel consumption market in Southeast Asia, with low tariffs, smooth customs clearance, and strong demand from the electronics and mold manufacturing industries, ideal for bulk wholesale business. India is a stable long-term potential market with continuous demand, suitable for developing long-term strategic cooperative clients.
Sourcing standard and customized mold steel from professional manufacturers effectively helps global importers reduce procurement costs and improve mold production efficiency.
Conclusion
Importing mold steel to India and Vietnam does not have high technical barriers. Standardized tariff declaration, complete documentary support, and professional logistics protection are the core keys to avoiding extra costs and shipment delays. This 2026 updated guide provides authoritative tariff standards, document checklists, and practical logistics solutions to support efficient and compliant cross-border mold steel trade.
Contact our team for customized mold steel specifications, bulk wholesale quotations, and one-stop import and export service support.
