What it is
Soft white metal used mainly in solder for electronics, tinplate coating and bronze.
Tin ingot 99.85% / 99.9% (IS 26)Solder alloys Sn-Pb and lead-free Sn-Ag-Cu
Where imports come from
Almost fully imported: 11,865 t of unwrought tin was imported in 2023-24 against 9,249 kg made in India.
Rules before you buy or sell
- The Ministry of Mines notified a QCO for tin ingot (IS 26:2024); a law-firm alert of 14 November 2025 reports it among the metal QCOs withdrawn on 13 November 2025. Confirm on the e-Gazette.
- Check the current import and export policy for your exact 8-digit HS code in the DGFT ITC(HS) schedules.
Storage and handling
Store indoors, dry and clean; avoid long storage in freezing conditions, which can make tin crumble ('tin pest').