How to Export Granite and Marble from India: Blocks, Slabs, Tiles and Buyers
India has some of the world's largest reserves of granite, marble and sandstone, with granite quarries in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu, marble in Rajasthan, and sandstone and slate in Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. Buyers include stone fabricators, building contractors and monument makers in the USA, Europe, the Gulf and East Asia. Stone is heavy and fragile, so packing and freight shape the whole quote.
To export granite and marble from India, get an IEC, GST registration with an LUT and an RCMC, usually from CAPEXIL, which covers natural stone. Rough blocks fall under HS heading 2516 (granite) or 2515 (marble), and polished slabs, tiles and monuments under 6802. Agree the stone name, finish, thickness, size and tolerance, pack in fumigated wooden crates or A-frames that meet ISPM 15, and plan containers by weight.
Registrations you need
- IEC, GST and LUT: see the IEC guide and the LUT guide.
- RCMC: natural stone exporters usually register with CAPEXIL. See the RCMC guide.
- Mining and transit: stone from quarries must move with valid state mining permits and transit passes; buyers may ask for proof of legal origin.
HS codes
- 2516 11 and 2516 12: granite, crude or roughly trimmed, and cut into blocks or slabs.
- 2515 11 and 2515 12: marble and travertine, crude or cut into blocks.
- 6802 23 and 6802 93: worked granite, such as polished slabs and tiles.
- 6802 21 and 6802 91: worked marble and travertine.
- 6802 92 and 6802 99: other worked stone, such as sandstone and limestone.
Monuments, memorials and carved idols are also usually classified in 6802. Confirm with your customs broker.
Specifications buyers ask for
- Stone: the trade name (such as Absolute Black, Tan Brown, Kashmir White or Makrana White) and the quarry.
- Form: blocks, gang-saw or cutter slabs, tiles, steps and risers, countertops, or monuments.
- Finish: polished, honed, flamed, leathered or sandblasted.
- Size and thickness: for example 2 cm or 3 cm slabs, with tolerances.
- Quality: colour consistency, cracks, resin use and polish level. Approve photos of each slab bundle before loading.
Building projects in Europe may ask for test reports on water absorption, flexural strength and frost resistance under the relevant EN standards.
Packing and shipping
Slabs travel in A-frames or bundles, and tiles in wooden crates with foam or cardboard between pieces. All wooden packing must meet ISPM 15. A 20 ft container usually reaches its weight limit long before it is full, so plan the load with your forwarder and check road weight limits at the destination. Blocks travel in open-top or flat-rack containers or as break-bulk. See the container guide.
Pricing and payment
Blocks are quoted per cubic metre, slabs and tiles per square metre or square foot, and monuments per piece, FOB or CIF. Add cutting, polishing, packing and inland freight from the quarry or factory to the port. For new buyers, take an advance with the balance against documents, or a letter of credit.
Where to find stone buyers
China buys large volumes of granite blocks, while the USA, the UK, Germany, Italy, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Australia and Thailand buy slabs, tiles and monuments. On BuyGenix you can see live granite requirements, marble and granite buyers and marble idol buyers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for granite slabs?
Polished or worked granite slabs and tiles fall under HS code 6802 23 or 6802 93. Rough granite blocks fall under 2516.
Which council covers natural stone exports?
Natural stone exporters usually register with CAPEXIL for the RCMC.
How are granite slabs packed for export?
In A-frames or bundles for slabs, and wooden crates for tiles, with all wooden packing treated to ISPM 15.
Which countries import Indian granite?
China buys granite blocks, while the USA, the UK, Germany, Italy, the UAE and Australia buy slabs, tiles and monuments.
Starting stone exports?
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