- GI protection: Moradabad Metal Craft is a registered Geographical Indication for handicrafts made in and around Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh.
- ODOP & TEE: “Metal Craft” is Moradabad’s ODOP product; the Government of India also added Moradabad (Handicrafts) to the list of Towns of Export Excellence under Foreign Trade Policy 2023 (31 Mar 2023). This recognises the town’s export orientation and unlocks EPCG/MAI benefits for the cluster.
- Support ecosystem: The Metal Handicrafts Service Centre (MHSC), Moradabad—a Government of India institution—runs a Research, Testing & Calibration Laboratory (NABL ISO/IEC 17025) and is listed among CPSC-accepted labs, useful for buyer testing and compliance.
Product scope (typical export lines) & HS mapping
- Non-electrical lanterns / hurricane lanterns / candle holders: usually HS 9405.50 (non-electrical lamps & lighting fittings); rulings confirm candle holders/lantern-style holders fall here.
- Electrical lanterns / table & hanging lights: HS 9405.11 (LED) or 9405.19 (other), per international HS guidance.
- Decorative brass articles (bowls, trays, statuettes, etc.) shipped outside Chapter 94 often use HS 7419 (other articles of copper) or HS 8306 (base-metal ornaments) depending on product purpose/material.
Exports snapshot (India-level for relevant HS)
- HS 9405 (lamps & lighting): India exported ~US$309 million in 2023; of this, 9405.50 non-electrical items were ~US$31 million. Top destinations: USA (~41%), Germany, UK, France, KSA, Netherlands. (Useful proxy for brass lanterns/candleware.)
- HS 7419 (other articles of copper, incl. brass articles): India exported ~US$338 million in 2023. (Covers many brass décor/serveware items produced by the Moradabad cluster.)
Note: Customs data does not split out “Moradabad” shares. Treat the above as India-level for the most relevant headings and use supplier declarations + product specs to allocate within your basket.
Quality & craftsmanship (what makes Moradabad stand out)
- Full-stack metal craft: The cluster covers casting → fabrication → engraving/embossing → polishing/finishing, enabling short runs, quick sampling, and complex forms. Documented steps include moulding/casting, scraping, engraving (naqqashi), polishing; processes are executed by specialised units.
- Design vocabulary: Hand-engraved motifs, hammered/embossed textures, filigree/“jali” pierce-work and antique or patinated finishes are typical Moradabad signatures.
- Institutional QA: MHSC’s government lab and services (finishing, coating, testing) support exporters with material/finish checks and buyer-specific testing.
Compliance & testing (by product type)
A) Non-electrical lanterns & candle holders (HS 9405.50)
- EU fire & safety labelling for candles/candle accessories:
- Chemicals: Check REACH Annex XVII restrictions (e.g., lead in articles, cadmium in certain uses, nickel release where applicable). Keep test reports for metal substrates, platings and coatings
B) Electrical lanterns / lamps (HS 9405.11/.19)
- EU: Low Voltage Directive (LVD 2014/35/EU), EMC 2014/30/EU, and RoHS (2011/65/EU, consolidated 2025)—apply CE marking with technical documentation.
- US: UL 153 (portable electric luminaires; updated to include battery-operated luminaires) + UL 8750 for LED components where relevant.
Buyer spec
- Item & HS: Non-electrical lantern/candleholder (HS 9405.50) or electric lantern (9405.11/.19). Confirm if décor (HS 7419/8306) when not primarily for lighting.
- Material: Brass (declare alloy), or iron with brass finish; state lead/nickel/cadmium limits to satisfy REACH and major-market RSLs.
- Finish & protection: e.g., raw/antique/polished/brushed; plating (nickel/silver/bronze-tone) or clear lacquer; specify corrosion resistance and adhesion requirements (supplier to propose test method).
- Build & safety: Stable base/hanger, protected edges; for candleware—heat-resistant glass shades, correct candle fit, and EN 15494 safety pictograms/instructions supplied.
- Electrical (if any): CE/UKCA/UL scheme; full DoC + test reports (LVD/EMC/RoHS; UL 153 for US).
- Origin & provenance: Supplier within Moradabad GI/ODOP ecosystem; mention Moradabad Metal Craft (GI) in storytelling where appropriate.
