The United States imports millions of square metres of Indian granite every year — the largest volume market for Indian granite countertops in the world. This guide covers the complete import process from supplier selection to US customs clearance.
Why US Importers Source Granite from India
Indian granite delivers exceptional surface quality and colour consistency at price points that Brazilian, Italian and Chinese alternatives cannot match across equivalent grades. The most popular US countertop varieties — Absolute Black, Tan Brown, Steel Grey, Kashmir White, Viscount White and Black Galaxy — are all quarried and processed in India, primarily in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Step-by-Step Import Process
Step 1 — Select your supplier. Work directly with a processing facility, not a trading agent. Direct sourcing eliminates intermediary margins and gives you accountability for quality. Naturaw Stones processes at Dulam Rocks, Khammam, Telangana — directors respond personally to every US enquiry.
Step 2 — Specify your requirements. Provide: stone variety, finish (polished, honed, leathered), thickness (2cm or 3cm standard), quantity in sqm, destination port (Los Angeles, Houston, New York, Miami).
Step 3 — Request samples. Free polished samples to qualified US buyers within 48 hours of request. Never place a container order without reviewing physical samples.
Step 4 — Review proforma invoice. Confirm: stone variety, dimensions, quantity, FOB price per sqm, port of loading (Chennai or Mundra for US), estimated shipment date, payment terms.
Step 5 — Pay advance and start production. Standard terms: 30% advance TT, balance 70% against copy of BL. LC at sight accepted from approved banks. Lead time: 4–6 weeks FOB.
Step 6 — Pre-shipment photos. All slabs photographed before container sealing. Buyers review and approve before container is closed.
Step 7 — Shipment and documentation. Transit Chennai → Los Angeles: 28–32 days. Chennai → Houston: 26–30 days. Mundra → West Coast: 22–26 days. Documents: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Gloss Meter Certificate, ISPM 15 Fumigation Certificate, Bill of Lading — all within 5 working days of departure.
US Import Duties on Indian Granite
Indian granite is classified under HTS codes 6802.91 and 6802.99. Standard MFN tariff: 0–3.7% depending on product classification. India is NOT subject to Section 301 tariffs applied to Chinese stone — a significant cost advantage for US importers. Work with a licensed US Customs Broker for correct HTS classification and duty calculation.
Most Popular Indian Granite for US Countertops
Tan Brown: Most consistently popular Indian granite in the US countertop market for over 20 years. Warm brown with black and gold mineral flecks. 2cm and 3cm gangsaw slabs.
Absolute Black: Uniform jet-black, 100–110 GU mirror polish. Preferred by kitchen designers who want a maintenance-free black countertop.
Kashmir White: White background with clusters of pink, grey and black minerals. Consistently strong demand across US residential renovation.
Steel Grey: Uniform silver-grey — preferred for commercial projects and large residential installations where consistent colour across containers is required.
Black Galaxy: Jet-black with gold bronzite inclusions. Premium product for luxury kitchen and bathroom applications.
Container Quantities and Pricing
Minimum order: one 20ft FCL. Capacity: 450–550 sqm of 2cm gangsaw slabs. Mixed container loads (two or more varieties) available. Contact Naturaw Stones for current FOB pricing specific to your variety and quantity requirement.
Email: info@naturawstones.com · WhatsApp: +91 7888721112 · Free samples to qualified US buyers.
Get Free Samples & FOB Pricing
Contact our directors directly — receive polished samples within 48 hours and a proforma invoice with current FOB pricing. We export to Poland, UK, UAE, USA, Australia and 15+ countries.