Acetic Acid (CAS 64-19-7): import duty, licences and trade rules in India
Acetic acid is a simple monocarboxylic acid containing two carbons. For trade in India: No ban or licence needed. Normal trade rules apply; handle as its safety advice says. Import duty is about 24.49% (tariff item 2915 21 00). DGFT policy: import Free, export Free.
Checked 2026-10-31 against official Indian and international lists. Sources are given under each answer.
Key facts
| CAS number | 64-19-7 |
|---|---|
| Formula | C2H4O2 |
| Also called | ethanoic acid, Ethylic acid, Vinegar acid, Glacial acetic acid |
| Tariff item (HS) | 2915 21 00 |
| Total import duty | about 24.49% |
| Anti-dumping duty (most producers) | None found |
| DGFT import policy | Free |
| DGFT export policy | Free |
| SCOMET (export control) | Not listed |
| NDPS / precursor | Not listed |
Every answer, with its source
Rules in IndiaOK
- A medicine containing it was approved by CDSCO in 2023: Amines, N- C10-16-alkyl trimethylenedi-, reaction products with chloro acetic acid…
- Making or selling medicines needs a drug licence.
- Import policy (DGFT ITC(HS)) for tariff item 2915 21 00: Free, so no import licence is needed under trade policy.
- The BIS Quality Control Order for acetic acid was withdrawn on 23 Jul 2025: the BIS mark is no longer compulsory.
- On India’s hazardous chemicals list (MSIHC Rules 1989). Importers must send the State authorities the consignment details and full safety information before each import (30 days ahead where possible, never later than the import date) and keep import records.
Exporting from IndiaOK
- Not on the SCOMET export-control list or the precursor export list.
- The buyer’s country may still have its own import rules.
- Export policy (DGFT ITC(HS)) for tariff item 2915 21 00: Free.
Global treaties & export marketsOK
- Not listed by the Stockholm Convention (persistent pollutants), the Rotterdam Convention (prior consent before export) or the Montreal Protocol (ozone layer).
- Registered under EU REACH, so EU importers can buy it under an existing registration.
- Active on the US TSCA Inventory, so it can be imported into the US without a new-chemical notice.
- Listed on the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals (AICIS), so it can be introduced into Australia as an existing industrial chemical.
- EU: harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI, index 607-002-00-6): Flam. Liq. 3, Skin Corr. 1A. Suppliers in the EU must label it this way.
Import dutyOK
- About ₹24,490 duty on every ₹1,00,000 of import value (CIF).
- Made up of basic customs duty 5%, social welfare surcharge 0.5% and IGST 18%. IGST can usually be claimed back as input tax credit.
- Tariff item 2915 21 00: Acetic acid.
SafetyCHECK
- Catches fire easily
- Burns skin and eyes, eats into metal
- Flammable liquid and vapor
- Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
- Causes serious eye damage
- Always read the supplier’s safety data sheet (SDS) before handling.
Storage, transport & PESOOK
- Flash point about 39.4 °C (CAMEO Chemicals).
- It is not a hydrocarbon, so the Petroleum Rules do not class it; storage still follows the state fire service’s rules and the factory licence.
- Ships as UN 2789 / UN 2790 (Corrosive, Corrosive Flammable Liquid): dangerous-goods rules apply by road, sea (IMDG) and air (IATA), with labels, packaging and a transport document.
Food residue limitsOK
- India (FSSAI) has no specific limit, so the default 0.01 mg/kg applies to food.
- EU: approved as a pesticide.
Price and suppliersOK
- Latest Indian market rate ₹66/kg on 2026-10-31 (down 1.5% in 7 days).
- 1 supplier on RasayanXchange (Gujarat).
US patentsOK
- Generic versions can be sold in the US.
- Indian patents are not checked.
Questions about Acetic Acid
What is the import duty on Acetic Acid in India?
The total import duty on Acetic Acid is about 24.49% of the import value under tariff item 2915 21 00, including basic customs duty, the social welfare surcharge and IGST. Check the latest notifications before you import.
Is there anti-dumping duty on Acetic Acid?
No anti-dumping duty on Acetic Acid was found in the Customs (ADD) notifications in force.
What is the HS code (tariff item) of Acetic Acid in India?
Acetic Acid falls under tariff item 2915 21 00 of the Customs Tariff of India.
Is Acetic Acid restricted or licensed in India?
Allowed, under the normal registration. A medicine containing it was approved by CDSCO in 2023: Amines, N- C10-16-alkyl trimethylenedi-, reaction products with chloro acetic acid…. Making or selling medicines needs a drug licence.
Can Acetic Acid be imported freely into India?
Under DGFT's ITC(HS) import policy, Acetic Acid is Free.
Does exporting Acetic Acid from India need a licence?
No export licence needed. Not on the SCOMET export-control list or the precursor export list.
Is Acetic Acid hazardous?
Dangerous: handle with proper protection. Catches fire easily. Burns skin and eyes, eats into metal. Flammable liquid and vapor.
Is Acetic Acid regulated under global treaties or in the EU and US?
No treaty or export-market restriction found. Not listed by the Stockholm Convention (persistent pollutants), the Rotterdam Convention (prior consent before export) or the Montreal Protocol (ozone layer). Registered under EU REACH, so EU importers can buy it under an existing registration.
Related chemicals
Guidance from official lists, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with DGFT, customs or the regulator before you trade.