Colchicine (CAS 64-86-8): import duty, licences and trade rules in India
(S)-colchicine is a colchicine that has (S)-configuration. For trade in India: OK to trade, but watch: rules in India; global treaties & export markets; safety. Import duty is about 27.73% (tariff item 2924 (estimate)). Drug schedule: H. EU CMR classification: Muta. 1B.
Checked 2026-10-31 against official Indian and international lists. Sources are given under each answer.
Key facts
| CAS number | 64-86-8 |
|---|---|
| Formula | C22H25NO6 |
| Also called | Colchisol, Colchineos, Colchicina, Colchicinum |
| Tariff item (HS) | 2924 (estimate) |
| Total import duty | about 27.73% |
| Anti-dumping duty (most producers) | None found |
| SCOMET (export control) | Not listed |
| NDPS / precursor | Not listed |
| Drug schedule | H |
| EU CMR classification | Muta. 1B |
Every answer, with its source
Rules in IndiaCHECK
- Not on the Indian banned-pesticide, drug-precursor, narcotic, psychotropic or new-drug lists we check.
- Normal factory, storage and GST rules still apply.
- A Schedule H prescription drug: medicines containing it are sold only on prescription, and making or selling it needs a drug licence. (Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945; salts and preparations are covered too.)
- 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.
Global treaties & export marketsCHECK
- 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.
- EU: harmonised classification as a mutagen category 1B (CLP Annex VI, index 614-005-00-6). It may not be sold to the general public in the EU as such or in mixtures above the limit (REACH Annex XVII, entries 28-30), and its use at work must be minimised.
Import dutyOK
- About ₹27,730 duty on every ₹1,00,000 of import value (CIF).
- No tariff line names this chemical, so we worked out its likely heading from its structure: 2924, carboxyamide-function compounds; amide-function compounds of carbonic acid (amide group).
- All lines under heading 2924 pay basic customs duty 7.5%; with social welfare surcharge and IGST 18% that makes about 27.73%.
- Confirm the exact 8-digit code with your customs broker before you import.
SafetySTOP
- Burns skin and eyes, eats into metal
- Poisonous, even in small amounts
- Can cause long-term health damage
- Fatal if swallowed or if inhaled
- Fatal if swallowed
- Fatal in contact with skin
- Causes serious eye damage
- Fatal if inhaled
- Always read the supplier’s safety data sheet (SDS) before handling.
Storage, transport & PESOOK
- Ships as UN 1544 (Poison): dangerous-goods rules apply by road, sea (IMDG) and air (IATA), with labels, packaging and a transport document.
Price and suppliersNO DATA
- Post a requirement and we will find suppliers for you.
US patentsCHECK
- The molecule is free, but some US formulations or uses are still protected.
- 16 generic companies already sell it in the US.
- Indian patents are not checked.
Questions about Colchicine
What is the import duty on Colchicine in India?
The total import duty on Colchicine is about 27.73% of the import value under tariff item 2924 (estimate), including basic customs duty, the social welfare surcharge and IGST. Check the latest notifications before you import.
Is there anti-dumping duty on Colchicine?
No anti-dumping duty on Colchicine was found in the Customs (ADD) notifications in force.
What is the HS code (tariff item) of Colchicine in India?
Colchicine falls under tariff item 2924 (estimate) of the Customs Tariff of India.
Is Colchicine restricted or licensed in India?
Prescription drug: drug licence needed. Not on the Indian banned-pesticide, drug-precursor, narcotic, psychotropic or new-drug lists we check. Normal factory, storage and GST rules still apply.
Does exporting Colchicine from India need a licence?
No export licence needed. Not on the SCOMET export-control list or the precursor export list.
Is Colchicine hazardous?
Very hazardous: strict controls needed. Burns skin and eyes, eats into metal. Poisonous, even in small amounts. Can cause long-term health damage.
Is Colchicine regulated under global treaties or in the EU and US?
EU: classified carcinogen, mutagen or reproductive toxicant. 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.