Ethylene Oxide (CAS 75-21-8): import duty, licences and trade rules in India
Oxirane is a saturated organic heteromonocyclic parent that is a three-membered heterocycle of two carbon atoms and one oxygen atom. For trade in India: OK to trade, but watch: global treaties & export markets; food residue limits. Import duty is about 27.73% (tariff item 2910 10 00). DGFT policy: import Free, export Free. EU CMR classification: Carc. 1B, Muta. 1B, Repr. 1B.
Checked 2026-10-31 against official Indian and international lists. Sources are given under each answer.
Key facts
| CAS number | 75-21-8 |
|---|---|
| Formula | C2H4O |
| Also called | ETHYLENE OXIDE, Epoxyethane, 1,2-Epoxyethane, Oxacyclopropane |
| Tariff item (HS) | 2910 10 00 |
| Total import duty | about 27.73% |
| Anti-dumping duty (most producers) | None found |
| DGFT import policy | Free |
| DGFT export policy | Free |
| SCOMET (export control) | Not listed |
| NDPS / precursor | Not listed |
| EU CMR classification | Carc. 1B, Muta. 1B, Repr. 1B |
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 2910 10 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.
- Holding 5 t or more on one site brings the major-accident rules (notify the site, safety audits, emergency plans); 50t or more also needs a safety report.
Exporting from IndiaOK
- Not on the SCOMET export-control list or the precursor export list.
- Not approved as a pesticide in the EU: food sent there must carry almost none of it.
- The buyer’s country may still have its own import rules.
- Export policy (DGFT ITC(HS)) for tariff item 2910 10 00: Free.
Global treaties & export marketsCHECK
- On the Rotterdam Convention prior-consent list (Annex III, pesticide): Ethylene oxide.
- Each importing country has said whether it accepts this chemical; an export must follow that decision. Check the country’s import response on pic.int before you ship.
- 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 as a carcinogen category 1B, mutagen category 1B, reproductive toxicant category 1B (CLP Annex VI, index 603-023-00-X). 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).
- 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 2910 10 00: Oxirane (ethylene oxide).
SafetyCHECK
- Burns skin and eyes, eats into metal
- Irritates skin, eyes or breathing
- Harmful to fish and water life
- Causes skin irritation
- May cause an allergic skin reaction
- Causes serious eye damage
- Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
- Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects
- Always read the supplier’s safety data sheet (SDS) before handling.
Storage, transport & PESOOK
- Flash point about -28.9 °C (The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)).
- 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 1040 (Poison Gas Flammable Gas): dangerous-goods rules apply by road, sea (IMDG) and air (IATA), with labels, packaging and a transport document.
Food residue limitsCHECK
- India (FSSAI) has no specific limit, so the default 0.01 mg/kg applies to food.
- EU: not approved; most EU food limits are at the detection limit.
Price and suppliersNO DATA
- Post a requirement and we will find suppliers for you.
Questions about Ethylene Oxide
What is the import duty on Ethylene Oxide in India?
The total import duty on Ethylene Oxide is about 27.73% of the import value under tariff item 2910 10 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 Oxide?
No anti-dumping duty on Ethylene Oxide was found in the Customs (ADD) notifications in force.
What is the HS code (tariff item) of Ethylene Oxide in India?
Ethylene Oxide falls under tariff item 2910 10 00 of the Customs Tariff of India.
Is Ethylene Oxide 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 2910 10 00: Free, so no import licence is needed under trade policy.
Can Ethylene Oxide be imported freely into India?
Under DGFT's ITC(HS) import policy, Ethylene Oxide is Free.
Does exporting Ethylene Oxide from India need a licence?
No export licence needed. Not on the SCOMET export-control list or the precursor export list.
Is Ethylene Oxide hazardous?
Dangerous: handle with proper protection. Burns skin and eyes, eats into metal. Irritates skin, eyes or breathing. Harmful to fish and water life.
Is Ethylene Oxide regulated under global treaties or in the EU and US?
Export needs the importing country’s consent. On the Rotterdam Convention prior-consent list (Annex III, pesticide): Ethylene oxide. Each importing country has said whether it accepts this chemical; an export must follow that decision. Check the country’s import response on pic.int before you ship.
Related chemicals
Guidance from official lists, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with DGFT, customs or the regulator before you trade.