Ethylene (CAS 74-85-1): import duty, licences and trade rules in India
Ethene is a gas molecular entity and an alkene. For trade in India: OK to trade, but watch: storage, transport & PESO. Import duty is about 21.24% (tariff item 2901 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 | 74-85-1 |
|---|---|
| Formula | C2H4 |
| Also called | Ethene, Acetene, Elayl, Olefiant gas |
| Tariff item (HS) | 2901 21 00 |
| Total import duty | about 21.24% |
| 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
- Not on the Indian banned-pesticide, drug-precursor, narcotic, psychotropic or new-drug lists we check.
- Import policy (DGFT ITC(HS)) for tariff item 2901 21 00: Free, so no import licence is needed under trade policy.
- 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 2901 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 601-010-00-3): Flam. Gas 1, Press. Gas, STOT SE 3. Suppliers in the EU must label it this way.
Import dutyOK
- About ₹21,240 duty on every ₹1,00,000 of import value (CIF).
- Made up of basic customs duty 2.5%, social welfare surcharge 0.25% and IGST 18%. IGST can usually be claimed back as input tax credit.
- Tariff item 2901 21 00: Ethylene.
- A lower rate may apply under certain conditions; ask your customs broker.
- Other forms or grades fall under different lines (24.49% total).
SafetyCHECK
- Catches fire easily
- Gas under pressure
- Irritates skin, eyes or breathing
- Extremely flammable gas
- Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated
- May cause drowsiness or dizziness
- 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 1038 / UN 1962 / UN 3138 (Flammable Gas): 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 suppliersNO DATA
- Post a requirement and we will find suppliers for you.
Questions about Ethylene
What is the import duty on Ethylene in India?
The total import duty on Ethylene is about 21.24% of the import value under tariff item 2901 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 Ethylene?
No anti-dumping duty on Ethylene was found in the Customs (ADD) notifications in force.
What is the HS code (tariff item) of Ethylene in India?
Ethylene falls under tariff item 2901 21 00 of the Customs Tariff of India.
Is Ethylene restricted or licensed in India?
No ban or licence; import paperwork applies. Not on the Indian banned-pesticide, drug-precursor, narcotic, psychotropic or new-drug lists we check. Import policy (DGFT ITC(HS)) for tariff item 2901 21 00: Free, so no import licence is needed under trade policy.
Can Ethylene be imported freely into India?
Under DGFT's ITC(HS) import policy, Ethylene is Free.
Does exporting Ethylene from India need a licence?
No export licence needed. Not on the SCOMET export-control list or the precursor export list.
Is Ethylene hazardous?
Dangerous: handle with proper protection. Catches fire easily. Gas under pressure. Irritates skin, eyes or breathing.
Is Ethylene 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.