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India FTA Duty Toolkit

Import duty on Portable steel bridges and bridge sections (HS 73081010) from the UAE to India

HS 73081010 · UAE to India · STRUCTURES

Data last updated: · MFN duty & IGST verified against ICEGATE (Indian Customs EDI). CEPA preferential rate per the India–UAE CEPA schedule. Verify your exact HS line before filing.

Duty breakdown on a ₹10,00,000 shipment

Component Standard (MFN) CEPA
Basic customs duty ₹1,50,000 ₹0
Social Welfare Surcharge ₹15,000 ₹0
IGST ₹2,09,700 ₹1,80,000
Total duty ₹3,74,700 ₹1,80,000

CEPA duty saving on this example: ₹1,94,700 . Run your own numbers in the import-duty estimator.

What drives the rate

Importing portable steel bridges and bridge sections (HS 73081010) from the UAE to India attracts a standard MFN basic customs duty of 15%. Under the India–UAE CEPA the preferential basic customs duty is 0%. On a sample assessable value of ₹10,00,000, total duty falls from ₹3,74,700 at the MFN rate to ₹1,80,000 with CEPA — a saving of ₹1,94,700 per shipment. Portable and modular steel bridges serve defence, disaster response, rural connectivity and temporary works, typically procured in projects rather than continuously. CEPA removes the 15% basic duty, material on heavy fabricated structures. The 40% value-content rule applies to the fabrication, so where the sections were welded and finished decides qualification. Project procurement usually runs on tender timelines, which makes the origin position something to settle at bid stage rather than at clearance. Screen for steel trade remedies, and keep the fabrication origin evidence with the tender documentation. Social Welfare Surcharge adds 10% on the basic duty and 18% IGST applies on top — though IGST is recoverable as input tax credit, so the lasting benefit is the basic-duty saving. Always confirm the live rate for HS 73081010 on ICEGATE or CBIC before filing.

Import compliance & clearances

Beyond duty, importing portable steel bridges and bridge sections (HS 73081010) into India requires the following regulatory clearances. The CEPA preferential rate does not waive any of these — they apply regardless of origin.

  • DGFT Valid IEC (Importer-Exporter Code) required; ITC(HS) import policy: Free source ↗

Indicative and non-exhaustive — verify the current DGFT / BIS / FSSAI / CDSCO notification for your exact 8-digit HS line before importing. Not customs or legal advice.

Frequently asked questions

What is the import duty on portable steel bridges and bridge sections from the UAE to India?
The standard MFN basic customs duty is 15%; under India–UAE CEPA the preferential rate is 0%. SWS adds 10% on the basic duty and 18% IGST applies on the CIF + BCD + SWS base.
How much can CEPA save on portable steel bridges and bridge sections?
On a CIF value of ₹10,00,000, total duty falls from ₹3,74,700 (MFN) to ₹1,80,000 (CEPA) — about ₹1,94,700 saved per shipment, scaling with consignment value.
What do I need to claim the CEPA rate on portable steel bridges and bridge sections?
A valid preferential Certificate of Origin (eCoO 2.0) proving UAE origin under the Rules of Origin. Without it, customs charges the 15% MFN rate.