Cephalexin (CAS 15686-71-2): import duty, licences and trade rules in India

Cephalexin is a semisynthetic first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic having methyl and beta-(2R)-2-amino-2-phenylacetamido groups at the 3- and 7- of the cephem skeleton, respectively. For trade in India: No ban or licence needed. Normal trade rules apply; handle as its safety advice says. Import duty is about 27.73% (tariff item 2941 90 20). DGFT policy: import Free, export Free.

No ban or licence needed. Normal trade rules apply; handle as its safety advice says.

Checked 2026-10-31 against official Indian and international lists. Sources are given under each answer.

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Key facts

CAS number15686-71-2
FormulaC16H17N3O4S
Also calledCefalexin, Cephacillin, Ceporexin, Mamalexin
Tariff item (HS)2941 90 20
Total import dutyabout 27.73%
Anti-dumping duty (most producers)None found
DGFT import policyFree
DGFT export policyFree
SCOMET (export control)Not listed
NDPS / precursorNot listed

Every answer, with its source

Rules in IndiaOK

No special Indian ban or licence found
  • Not on the Indian banned-pesticide, drug-precursor, narcotic, psychotropic or new-drug lists we check.
  • Normal factory, storage and GST rules still apply.
  • Import policy (DGFT ITC(HS)) for tariff item 2941 90 20: Free, so no import licence is needed under trade policy.
Source: CIB&RC pesticide lists · CDSCO new drug approvals · NDPS RCS Order 2013 · DGFT ITC(HS) 2022, Schedule 1 Import Policy

Exporting from IndiaOK

No export licence needed
  • 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 2941 90 20: Free.
Source: DGFT SCOMET list · NDPS RCS Order 2013 · DGFT ITC(HS) 2022, Schedule 2 Export Policy

Global treaties & export marketsOK

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).
  • No EU REACH registration found: an EU importer (or your only representative) must register it before importing a tonne or more a year. Medicines and pesticide actives follow their own EU rules.
  • Not on the US TSCA Inventory, which does not cover medicines or pesticides; those are regulated by the FDA and EPA (FIFRA).
Source: Stockholm Convention, all listed POPs · Rotterdam Convention Annex III · Montreal Protocol annexes (ozone layer, Kigali HFCs) · US EPA TSCA Inventory · ECHA REACH lists, as published in PubChem

Import dutyOK

About 27.73% of the import value
  • About ₹27,730 duty on every ₹1,00,000 of import value (CIF).
  • Made up of basic customs duty 7.5%, social welfare surcharge 0.75% and IGST 18%. IGST can usually be claimed back as input tax credit.
  • Tariff item 2941 90 20: Cephalexin and its salts.
Source: Customs Tariff of India, CBIC · Notification 45/2025-Customs · Notification 9/2025-Integrated Tax (Rate)

SafetyCHECK

Dangerous: handle with proper protection
  • Irritates skin, eyes or breathing
  • Can cause long-term health damage
  • May cause an allergic skin reaction
  • May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled
  • Always read the supplier’s safety data sheet (SDS) before handling.
Source: PubChem GHS classification

Price and suppliersNO DATA

Not on RasayanXchange yet
  • Post a requirement and we will find suppliers for you.
Source: RasayanXchange market data

US patentsOK

US patents have expired
  • Generic versions can be sold in the US.
  • Indian patents are not checked.
Source: FDA Orange Book

Questions about Cephalexin

What is the import duty on Cephalexin in India?

The total import duty on Cephalexin is about 27.73% of the import value under tariff item 2941 90 20, including basic customs duty, the social welfare surcharge and IGST. Check the latest notifications before you import.

Is there anti-dumping duty on Cephalexin?

No anti-dumping duty on Cephalexin was found in the Customs (ADD) notifications in force.

What is the HS code (tariff item) of Cephalexin in India?

Cephalexin falls under tariff item 2941 90 20 of the Customs Tariff of India.

Is Cephalexin restricted or licensed in India?

No special Indian ban or licence found. Not on the Indian banned-pesticide, drug-precursor, narcotic, psychotropic or new-drug lists we check. Normal factory, storage and GST rules still apply.

Can Cephalexin be imported freely into India?

Under DGFT's ITC(HS) import policy, Cephalexin is Free.

Does exporting Cephalexin from India need a licence?

No export licence needed. Not on the SCOMET export-control list or the precursor export list.

Is Cephalexin hazardous?

Dangerous: handle with proper protection. Irritates skin, eyes or breathing. Can cause long-term health damage. May cause an allergic skin reaction.

Is Cephalexin 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). No EU REACH registration found: an EU importer (or your only representative) must register it before importing a tonne or more a year. Medicines and pesticide actives follow their own EU rules.

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Guidance from official lists, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with DGFT, customs or the regulator before you trade.