Hydroquinone (CAS 123-31-9): import duty, licences and trade rules in India
Hydroquinone is a benzenediol comprising benzene core carrying two hydroxy substituents para to each other. For trade in India: No ban or licence needed. Normal trade rules apply; handle as its safety advice says. Import duty is about 27.73% (tariff item 2907 22 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 | 123-31-9 |
|---|---|
| Formula | C6H6O2 |
| Also called | Benzene-1,4-diol, 1,4-benzenediol, Quinol, 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene |
| Tariff item (HS) | 2907 22 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 2907 22 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 2907 22 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 604-005-00-4): Carc. 2, Muta. 2, Acute Tox. 4, Eye Dam. 1, Skin Sens. 1, Aquatic Acute 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 2907 22 00: Hydroquinone (quinol) and its salts.
SafetyCHECK
- Burns skin and eyes, eats into metal
- Irritates skin, eyes or breathing
- Can cause long-term health damage
- Harmful to fish and water life
- Harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin
- Harmful if swallowed
- Harmful in contact with skin
- May cause an allergic skin reaction
- Causes serious eye damage
- Always read the supplier’s safety data sheet (SDS) before handling.
Storage, transport & PESOOK
- Ships as UN 2662 (Class 9 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 patentsOK
- Generic versions can be sold in the US.
- Indian patents are not checked.
Questions about Hydroquinone
What is the import duty on Hydroquinone in India?
The total import duty on Hydroquinone is about 27.73% of the import value under tariff item 2907 22 00, including basic customs duty, the social welfare surcharge and IGST. Check the latest notifications before you import.
Is there anti-dumping duty on Hydroquinone?
No anti-dumping duty on Hydroquinone was found in the Customs (ADD) notifications in force.
What is the HS code (tariff item) of Hydroquinone in India?
Hydroquinone falls under tariff item 2907 22 00 of the Customs Tariff of India.
Is Hydroquinone 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 2907 22 00: Free, so no import licence is needed under trade policy.
Can Hydroquinone be imported freely into India?
Under DGFT's ITC(HS) import policy, Hydroquinone is Free.
Does exporting Hydroquinone from India need a licence?
No export licence needed. Not on the SCOMET export-control list or the precursor export list.
Is Hydroquinone hazardous?
Dangerous: handle with proper protection. Burns skin and eyes, eats into metal. Irritates skin, eyes or breathing. Can cause long-term health damage.
Is Hydroquinone 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.