Formic Acid (CAS 64-18-6): import duty, licences and trade rules in India
Formic acid is the simplest carboxylic acid, containing a single carbon. For trade in India: OK to trade, but watch: food residue limits. Import duty is about 27.73% (tariff item 2915 11 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 | 64-18-6 |
|---|---|
| Formula | CH2O2 |
| Also called | Methanoic acid, Formylic acid, Aminic acid, Bilorin |
| Tariff item (HS) | 2915 11 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 |
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 2915 11 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.
- 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 2915 11 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 607-001-00-0): Flam. Liq. 3, Met. Corr. 1, Acute Tox. 3, Acute Tox. 4, Skin Corr. 1A, Eye Dam. 1. Suppliers in the EU must label it this way.
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 2915 11 00: Formic acid.
SafetyCHECK
- Catches fire easily
- Burns skin and eyes, eats into metal
- Poisonous, even in small amounts
- Irritates skin, eyes or breathing
- Flammable liquid and vapor
- Harmful if swallowed
- Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
- Causes serious eye damage
- Toxic if inhaled
- Always read the supplier’s safety data sheet (SDS) before handling.
Storage, transport & PESOOK
- Ships as UN 1779 / UN 3412 (Corrosive Flammable Liquid): 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 Formic Acid
What is the import duty on Formic Acid in India?
The total import duty on Formic Acid is about 27.73% of the import value under tariff item 2915 11 00, including basic customs duty, the social welfare surcharge and IGST. Check the latest notifications before you import.
Is there anti-dumping duty on Formic Acid?
No anti-dumping duty on Formic Acid was found in the Customs (ADD) notifications in force.
What is the HS code (tariff item) of Formic Acid in India?
Formic Acid falls under tariff item 2915 11 00 of the Customs Tariff of India.
Is Formic Acid 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 2915 11 00: Free, so no import licence is needed under trade policy.
Can Formic Acid be imported freely into India?
Under DGFT's ITC(HS) import policy, Formic Acid is Free.
Does exporting Formic Acid from India need a licence?
No export licence needed. Not on the SCOMET export-control list or the precursor export list.
Is Formic Acid hazardous?
Dangerous: handle with proper protection. Catches fire easily. Burns skin and eyes, eats into metal. Poisonous, even in small amounts.
Is Formic Acid 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.