Procedure for Import of Low Ash Metallurgical Coke (LAM Coke)
New DGFT Procedure for Import of Low Ash Metallurgical Coke (LAM Coke): Trade Notice 07/2025-26 Explained
On 2nd July 2025, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued Trade Notice No. 07/2025-26 outlining the procedure for filing import authorization applications for Low Ash Metallurgical Coke (LAM Coke). This update is crucial for steel manufacturers, importers, and stakeholders in the metallurgical sector.
🔍 Background
DGFT, via Notification No. 22/2025-26 dated 30.06.2025, has extended the Safeguard Quantitative Restrictions (SGQR) on LAM Coke imports (with ash content <18%) until 31st December 2025. The restriction applies to imports falling under the following ITC(HS) Codes:
- 27040020
- 27040030
- 27040040
- 27040090
This move continues the import regulation introduced earlier via Notification No. 44/2024-25 dated 26.12.2024.
📝 Application Process for Import Authorization
DGFT has opened its online portal for submitting applications:
Website: https://dgft.gov.in
Path: Services → Import Management System → Imports Authorisation for Restricted Imports
Form: ANF 2M
Key Dates:
- Deadline to apply: 13th July 2025
- Restriction period for import: 1st July 2025 to 31st December 2025
🌍 Country-Wise Applications
- Importers must file separate applications for each supplier country.
- A maximum of three applications can be submitted by a single importer.
📄 Documents and Information Required
Each application must be submitted with a covering letter on company letterhead, signed by an authorized signatory. The following details (in Metric Tons) are to be provided:
- Steel manufacturing capacity as on 31.12.2024
- Steel manufacturing capacity as on 30.06.2025
- Total monthly requirement of Met-Coke
- In-house Met-Coke production per month
- Stock in hand as on 30.06.2025
- Actual monthly requirement of Met-Coke
- Quantity under contracts with domestic manufacturers
- Final monthly import requirement
- Utilization status of previously allocated quota (if any)
🧾 Allocation and Monitoring
- A Special Exim Facilitation Committee (EFC) will assess the applications and allocate import quantities.
- The DGFT will review the import utilization after the first quarter (by October 2025).
- Importers must submit a utilization report and any quantity to be surrendered by end of September 2025 to:
📧 policy2-dgft@gov.in
📧 sanjay.kt@nic.in
⚠️ Important Compliance Points
- Any mis-declaration will lead to disqualification from current allocation.
- DGFT reserves the right to amend the process or allocation at any time as necessary.
🧭 Conclusion
The extension of the QR regime and the structured allocation system highlights the government’s intent to balance domestic production and import dependency of LAM Coke. Importers must adhere strictly to the procedural timelines and documentation norms to ensure compliance and avoid disqualification.
For steel producers relying on imported Met-Coke, timely application and accurate declaration are critical to securing the needed quota.
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