Ethane (CAS 74-84-0): import duty, licences and trade rules in India
Ethane is an alkane comprising of two carbon atoms. For trade in India: OK to trade, but watch: rules in India; exporting from India; storage, transport & PESO. Import duty is about 21.24% (tariff item 2901 (estimate)). DGFT policy: import Restricted, export Restricted.
Checked 2026-10-31 against official Indian and international lists. Sources are given under each answer.
Key facts
| CAS number | 74-84-0 |
|---|---|
| Formula | C2H6 |
| Also called | Bimethyl, Dimethyl, Methylmethane, Ethyl hydride |
| Tariff item (HS) | 2901 (estimate) |
| Total import duty | about 21.24% |
| Anti-dumping duty (most producers) | None found |
| DGFT import policy | Restricted |
| DGFT export policy | Restricted |
| SCOMET (export control) | Not listed |
| NDPS / precursor | Not listed |
Every answer, with its source
Rules in IndiaCHECK
- A medicine containing it was approved by CDSCO in 2023: 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl dimethyl octadecylammonum chloride , Benzalkonium chloride,… (and 2 more).
- Making or selling medicines needs a drug licence.
- Import under DGFT's policy for tariff item 2903 79 20 is Restricted: it needs a DGFT import authorisation or must meet the stated conditions (policy condition 1 of chapter 29).
Exporting from IndiaCHECK
- Export under DGFT's policy for tariff item 2903 79 20 is Restricted: it needs a DGFT export authorisation or must meet the stated conditions. Subject to policy condition 2 of the chapter.
- Not on the SCOMET export-control list.
- The buyer’s country may still have its own import rules.
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 601-002-00-X): Flam. Gas 1, Press. Gas. Suppliers in the EU must label it this way.
Import dutyOK
- About ₹21,240 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: 2901, acyclic hydrocarbons (hydrocarbon).
- All lines under heading 2901 pay basic customs duty 2.5%; with social welfare surcharge and IGST 18% that makes about 21.24%.
- Confirm the exact 8-digit code with your customs broker before you import.
SafetyCHECK
- Catches fire easily
- Gas under pressure
- Extremely flammable gas
- Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated
- Contains refrigerated gas; may cause cryogenic burns or injury
- Always read the supplier’s safety data sheet (SDS) before handling.
Storage, transport & PESOCHECK
- A gas under pressure: filling, storing or transporting it in cylinders needs PESO approval, and large storage tanks need a licence under the SMPV(U) Rules.
- Ships as UN 1035 / UN 1961 (Flammable Gas): 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.
- 12 generic companies already sell it in the US.
- Indian patents are not checked.
Questions about Ethane
What is the import duty on Ethane in India?
The total import duty on Ethane is about 21.24% of the import value under tariff item 2901 (estimate), including basic customs duty, the social welfare surcharge and IGST. Check the latest notifications before you import.
Is there anti-dumping duty on Ethane?
No anti-dumping duty on Ethane was found in the Customs (ADD) notifications in force.
What is the HS code (tariff item) of Ethane in India?
Ethane falls under tariff item 2901 (estimate) of the Customs Tariff of India.
Is Ethane restricted or licensed in India?
Import restricted (DGFT policy). A medicine containing it was approved by CDSCO in 2023: 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl dimethyl octadecylammonum chloride , Benzalkonium chloride,… (and 2 more). Making or selling medicines needs a drug licence.
Can Ethane be imported freely into India?
Under DGFT's ITC(HS) import policy, Ethane is Restricted. Restricted items need a DGFT import authorisation or must meet the stated conditions.
Does exporting Ethane from India need a licence?
Export restricted (DGFT policy). Export under DGFT's policy for tariff item 2903 79 20 is Restricted: it needs a DGFT export authorisation or must meet the stated conditions. Subject to policy condition 2 of the chapter.
Is Ethane hazardous?
Dangerous: handle with proper protection. Catches fire easily. Gas under pressure. Extremely flammable gas.
Is Ethane 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.