Indomethacin (CAS 53-86-1): import duty, licences and trade rules in India
Indometacin is a member of the class of indole-3-acetic acids that is indole-3-acetic acid in which the indole ring is substituted at positions 1, 2 and 5 by p-chlorobenzoyl, methyl, and methoxy groups, respectively. For trade in India: OK to trade, but watch: rules in India; safety. Import duty is about 27.73% (tariff item 2933 (estimate)). Drug schedule: H.
Checked 2026-10-31 against official Indian and international lists. Sources are given under each answer.
Key facts
| CAS number | 53-86-1 |
|---|---|
| Formula | C19H16ClNO4 |
| Also called | indometacin, Indomethacine, Indometacine, Indocid |
| Tariff item (HS) | 2933 (estimate) |
| Total import duty | about 27.73% |
| Anti-dumping duty (most producers) | None found |
| SCOMET (export control) | Not listed |
| NDPS / precursor | Not listed |
| Drug schedule | H |
Every answer, with its source
Rules in IndiaCHECK
- Not on the Indian banned-pesticide, drug-precursor, narcotic, psychotropic or new-drug lists we check.
- Normal factory, storage and GST rules still apply.
- A Schedule H prescription drug: medicines containing it are sold only on prescription, and making or selling it needs a drug licence. (Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945; salts and preparations are covered too.)
- 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.
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.
Import dutyOK
- About ₹27,730 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: 2933, heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only (ring containing nitrogen).
- 82 of 88 lines under heading 2933 pay basic customs duty 7.5%; with social welfare surcharge and IGST 18% that makes about 27.73%.
- Confirm the exact 8-digit code with your customs broker before you import.
SafetySTOP
- Burns skin and eyes, eats into metal
- Poisonous, even in small amounts
- Irritates skin, eyes or breathing
- Can cause long-term health damage
- Fatal if swallowed
- Toxic if swallowed
- May cause an allergic skin reaction
- Causes serious eye damage
- May cause respiratory irritation
- Always read the supplier’s safety data sheet (SDS) before handling.
Storage, transport & PESOOK
- Ships as UN 2811 (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 patentsCHECK
- The molecule is free, but some US formulations or uses are still protected.
- 16 generic companies already sell it in the US.
- Indian patents are not checked.
Questions about Indomethacin
What is the import duty on Indomethacin in India?
The total import duty on Indomethacin is about 27.73% of the import value under tariff item 2933 (estimate), including basic customs duty, the social welfare surcharge and IGST. Check the latest notifications before you import.
Is there anti-dumping duty on Indomethacin?
No anti-dumping duty on Indomethacin was found in the Customs (ADD) notifications in force.
What is the HS code (tariff item) of Indomethacin in India?
Indomethacin falls under tariff item 2933 (estimate) of the Customs Tariff of India.
Is Indomethacin restricted or licensed in India?
Prescription drug: drug licence needed. Not on the Indian banned-pesticide, drug-precursor, narcotic, psychotropic or new-drug lists we check. Normal factory, storage and GST rules still apply.
Does exporting Indomethacin from India need a licence?
No export licence needed. Not on the SCOMET export-control list or the precursor export list.
Is Indomethacin hazardous?
Very hazardous: strict controls needed. Burns skin and eyes, eats into metal. Poisonous, even in small amounts. Irritates skin, eyes or breathing.
Is Indomethacin 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.