HSN code 7502 covers 'Unwrought Nickel', the fundamental raw material form of nickel before it is manufactured into usable shapes or alloys. This heading is crucial for primary metal producers, refiners, and industries that rely on pure nickel as a base for their downstream manufacturing processes. Importers, exporters, and customs agents commonly search for 7502 when dealing with bulk nickel in forms like cathodes, ingots, pigs, or pellets. Understanding this classification is key for accurate customs declarations, GST compliance, and procurement planning, ensuring that the correct tax rates and duties are applied to the initial stages of the nickel supply chain in India. This ensures transparency and proper taxation within the industrial metals sector.
What HSN 7502 Covers
HSN code 7502 exclusively deals with unwrought nickel, which includes nickel in its primary, unmanufactured forms obtained directly from refining processes. This encompasses shapes such as nickel cathodes (produced via electrolysis), nickel pigs (a crude form), nickel ingots (cast blocks), and nickel pellets or briquettes (compressed forms). The key characteristic is that the metal has not undergone any significant mechanical or further processing beyond its initial extraction and purification stages. It represents nickel in its most basic state, ready for subsequent melting, alloying, or manufacturing into more complex products. HSN 7502 explicitly excludes any nickel products that have been subjected to shaping, forming, or fabrication. This means wrought nickel forms like bars, rods, profiles, wire, sheets, plates, strip, foil, pipes, or tubes are classified under different HSN headings (such as 7505 or 7507). Similarly, nickel powders and flakes fall under HSN 7504, and nickel mattes or intermediate metallurgical products are covered by HSN 7501. Waste and scrap of nickel are classified under HSN 7503. This precise distinction ensures accurate classification for trade and taxation purposes in India.Common Materials & Grades
- Nickel Cathodes (Grade 99.9% or 99.95%): High-purity electrolytic nickel sheets used directly in alloying and plating.
- Nickel Briquettes: Compressed forms of nickel, easier to handle and melt, often 99% pure.
- Nickel Ingots: Small, cast blocks of nickel, typically 99% pure, for general alloying.
- Nickel Pellets: Small, spherical forms of nickel, convenient for automated melting processes.
- Nickel Pig: A crude form of nickel, lower purity, often an intermediate product.
Trade Names & Synonyms
- Pure Nickel
- Nickel Metal
- Electrolytic Nickel
- Nickel Granules
- Nickel Buttons
- Nickel Shapes
Typical Industrial Uses
- Alloying Agent (for Stainless Steel, special alloys)
- Electroplating Baths
- Battery Manufacturing (e.g., Nickel-Cadmium, Nickel-Metal Hydride)
- Catalyst Production
- Chemical Industry
- Aerospace and Marine Components (when alloyed)
- Electronics Manufacturing
GST Rate (Indicative)
Under HSN 7502, unwrought nickel typically falls under the 18% GST slab. This rate applies to most raw and basic forms of metals and their ores. However, it is strongly recommended to verify the exact GST rate on the official CBIC portal, as rates can be subject to change or specific exemptions.
Related HSN Codes
- HSN 7501: Nickel Mattes and other intermediate products of nickel metallurgy
- HSN 7503: Waste and scrap of nickel
- HSN 7504: Nickel powders and flakes
- HSN 7505: Bars, rods and profiles, of nickel; nickel wire
- HSN 7507: Nickel and articles thereof (e.g. pipes, tubes)
Related on MetaleMart
Frequently Asked Questions about HSN 7502
What exactly is considered 'unwrought' nickel under HSN 7502?
Under HSN 7502, unwrought nickel refers to the pure metal in its primary, unshaped forms like ingots, pigs, cathodes, or pellets. It is the raw material before being processed into alloys or finished products like sheets or wires. Processing of unwrought nickel falls under different HSN codes within Chapter 75 or other relevant chapters.
What's the difference between HSN 7502 and wrought nickel products like nickel bars or sheets?
HSN 7502 is specifically for unwrought nickel, meaning the raw, unworked metal. Wrought nickel products, such as nickel bars, sheets, pipes, or wires that have undergone mechanical working (like rolling, drawing, or extrusion), are classified under different HSN codes, typically found in headings like 7505 for bars, rods, profiles, wire, and plates, sheets, strip and foil of nickel and articles thereof. Always check the specific form and processing.
Who are the typical suppliers of unwrought nickel in India under HSN 7502, and what are common MOQ patterns?
Unwrought nickel under HSN 7502 is primarily sourced directly from refineries. Indian suppliers typically offer it in standard forms like cathodes, briquettes, or pellets. Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) can vary significantly based on the supplier and the specific form; for large industrial users, direct mill runs might be possible, while smaller quantities might be stocked by specialised metal traders. Lead times depend on mill schedules and availability.
What is the typical GST rate for unwrought nickel (HSN 7502)?
For HSN 7502, the standard GST rate is typically 18%. However, the GST rate can vary based on the specific transaction, supplier, and prevailing government notifications. It is crucial for buyers to verify the applicable GST rate on the official CBIC portal for their specific purchase.