Indian import policy
As of 2026-11: check each chemical separately. India withdrew 14 QCOs on chemicals/polymers effective 12 Nov 2025, but other chemical QCOs remain in force (BIS licence for the foreign plant). DGTR runs frequent anti-dumping cases on chemicals (e.g. initiations on sodium cyanide, insoluble sulphur and DCC in Sep 2026). Hazardous chemicals fall under the MSIHC Rules and need DG handling. Sources: https://chemical.chemlinked.com/news/chemical-news/india-rescinds-quality-control-orders; http://www.dgtr.gov.in/en; research/02-indian-imports.md.
Check the current DGFT, BIS and CBIC notifications before contracting.
Importing specialty chemicals & additives into India: requirements
| Requirement | Authority | Document |
|---|---|---|
| Importer-Exporter Code; GST; ICEGATE | DGFT / GSTN / CBIC | IEC; GSTIN; ICEGATE DSC registration |
| Import policy classification | DGFT | ITC(HS) policy: Free/Restricted/Prohibited/STE; import authorisation if Restricted |
| Customs declaration & duty | CBIC / ICEGATE | Bill of Entry; BCD + AIDC + SWS(10% of BCD) + IGST |
| Mandatory BIS certification | BIS / DPIIT & line ministries | BIS licence (ISI, FMCS for foreign plants) or CRS registration |
| Trusted trader status | CBIC | AEO-T1/T2/T3/LO |
Import trend
DGFT 'Chemical material & products' FY25 12,819 -> FY26 16,058 (+25.3%)
Where Indian buyers are
Gujarat — Ankleshwar, Vapi, Dahej (Bharuch), Vadodara, Ahmedabad. India's largest chemical cluster: agrochemicals, dyes, intermediates, paints
Maharashtra — Mumbai, Thane, Tarapur, Taloja. Paints, coatings, adhesives, chemical traders
Telangana — Hyderabad. Pharma and specialty chemicals
Tamil Nadu — Chennai. Plastics, rubber and auto-component formulators
Delhi NCR — Delhi, Faridabad. Plastics processors and distributors
Frequently asked questions
Do imported specialty chemicals need BIS certification?
Only if the product is under a QCO. India withdrew 14 chemical and polymer QCOs in November 2025, but others remain in force. Check the current BIS list for your product and CAS number.
How do I check anti-dumping duty on a chemical import?
Search DGTR notices for the product and origin, then confirm the notified duty in the ICEGATE duty calculator for your exact HS code.
What documents should come with each chemical shipment?
A commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, batch COA and a 16-section GHS safety data sheet, plus a dangerous-goods declaration for hazardous products.
Can specialty chemicals be repacked for smaller buyers?
Yes, with the principal's permission, correct labelling and SDS for the repacked product, and a facility suitable for the hazard class.
Which countries supply specialty chemicals to India?
China supplies the most by volume; Germany, the USA, Japan and Singapore supply many high-spec additives and catalysts.
Import routes
Source specialty chemicals & additives for India
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