Oil and gas sector imports — from drilling equipment and offshore platforms to specialist piping and safety valves — use a mix of standard HS codes, project import provisions, and specialized DGFT import licenses for petroleum equipment. Major importers include PSUs (ONGC, IOC) and private oil companies.
Oil & Gas Import Categories
| Category | HS Range | BCD | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crude petroleum | 2709 | 0% | PSU / STE imports; no BCD on crude |
| LNG (liquefied natural gas) | 2711.11 | 0% | Imported via LNG terminals; BCD exempt |
| Drilling rigs and equipment | 8430.41 | 7.5% | Project import eligible |
| Oil well casing / tubing | 7304.29 | 10% | Steel pipes; anti-dumping on Chinese origin |
| Safety valves | 8481.40 | 7.5% | |
| Refinery equipment | 8419, 8420 | 7.5% | Project import eligible |
DTA vs EOU vs SEZ for Oil Sector
Major oil PSUs often operate within bonded areas or under special import schemes:
- Offshore drilling: goods placed on offshore installations may qualify for temporary import without full duty
- Refineries with EOU status: duty-free input imports; IGST on DTA sales
- Exploration licenses (NELP/HELP blocks): some concessions on equipment import duty
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Frequently asked questions
BCD 0% on crude petroleum (HS 2709). Crude oil is the largest Indian import by value; zero BCD is maintained to keep refinery input costs low.
Yes — drilling platforms, rigs, and related equipment for new exploration projects can be assessed under HS 9801 Project Import at 7.5% BCD flat. Requires Customs Commissioner approval.