What it is
Soft carbon mineral used in crucibles, refractories, pencils, lubricants, brake linings and battery anodes.
Flake graphite (by fixed carbon %)Amorphous graphiteCrucible gradeBattery grade (high purity)
Where India produces it
Where imports come from
Moderate: 54,784 t of natural graphite imported in 2023-24; high-purity battery grades are mostly imported.
- Madagascar — About 45% of natural graphite imports in 2023-24
- China — About 39%
- Mozambique — About 10%
Rules before you buy or sell
- Graphite is a major mineral and is on India's critical minerals list; leases follow the MMDR Act, 1957.
- Check the current import and export policy for your exact 8-digit HS code in the DGFT ITC(HS) schedules.
Storage and handling
Store bagged and dry; graphite dust is slippery and conductive, so keep it away from electrical panels.