Two suppliers quote the same grade of PP or HDPE and the rates look very different. Usually the material is not the reason – the basis of the quote is. This guide explains how polymer prices are quoted in India so you can compare offers on equal terms.
Where Polymer Prices Start
In India, prices for commodity polymers such as PP, HDPE, LLDPE, LDPE and PVC are anchored to the list prices of the large domestic producers, which are revised periodically in line with crude oil, naphtha, international polymer prices and the rupee–dollar rate. Traders and distributors quote on top of these levels, adjusted for stock position, lot size and credit. Import offers follow international prices plus duty, freight and handling. See how crude oil prices affect polymer prices for more background.
Ex-Works vs Delivered (FOR) Rates
- Ex-works / ex-godown: price at the supplier's warehouse. You arrange and pay for transport.
- Delivered / FOR destination: price includes transport to your factory.
An ex-works rate will always look cheaper. Before comparing, convert every quote to a landed cost at your gate.
GST on Polymers
Plastics in primary form (granules, powder, resin) fall under HSN chapter 39 and attract 18% GST. Most B2B quotes are given plus GST. If you are GST-registered, you can usually claim input tax credit, so GST is not a cost – but it affects cash flow, so always confirm whether a quote is inclusive or exclusive of GST.
Other Factors That Change the Rate
- Lot size: truck-load quantities get better rates than a few bags.
- Payment terms: advance payment earns the best rate; credit days add cost.
- Grade: special grades (pipe, film, high-MFI, copolymer) carry a premium over general grades.
- Prime vs off-grade vs reprocessed: large price gaps, but also quality gaps.
- Validity: polymer quotes are usually valid for a short time because prices move.
- Loading and unloading: check who pays.
Worked Example: Comparing Two Quotes
The numbers below are illustrative only, to show the method.
| Supplier A | Supplier B | |
|---|---|---|
| Quoted rate | ₹100/kg ex-works | ₹102/kg delivered |
| Freight to your plant | ₹2.50/kg | Included |
| Landed rate before GST | ₹102.50/kg | ₹102.00/kg |
| GST @ 18% | ₹18.45/kg | ₹18.36/kg |
| Landed rate incl. GST | ₹120.95/kg | ₹120.36/kg |
The quote that looked ₹2 more expensive is actually cheaper once freight is included. Add credit terms and lead time to the comparison, and the right choice often becomes clear.
Documents to Expect
- Tax invoice with HSN code and GST breakup
- E-way bill for consignments above the applicable value limit
- Test certificate / COA for the lot, where applicable
- Packing list and transporter details (LR / bilty)
How to Get an Accurate Quote Faster
Send the grade or application, quantity, delivery city (with PIN code), required date and preferred payment terms in one message. Incomplete enquiries lead to multiple rounds of clarification and a stale rate. Our guide from enquiry to delivery shows the full process, and you can follow the latest polymer price update for market direction.
Get a Quote
Share the grade (or your current grade name), monthly quantity, delivery city and payment terms, and the Granil PolyTrade team will come back with today's rate and availability. Request a quote or register as a buyer.
