Malathion (CAS 121-75-5): import duty, licences and trade rules in India
Diethyl 2-[(dimethoxyphosphorothioyl)thio]succinate is a diester that is diethyl succinate in which position 2 is substituted by a (dimethoxyphosphorothioyl)thio group. For trade in India: OK to trade, but watch: rules in India. Import duty is about 27.73% (tariff item 2930 (estimate)).
Checked 2026-10-31 against official Indian and international lists. Sources are given under each answer.
Key facts
| CAS number | 121-75-5 |
|---|---|
| Formula | C10H19O6PS2 |
| Also called | Carbophos, Carbofos, Mercaptothion, Karbofos |
| Tariff item (HS) | 2930 (estimate) |
| Total import duty | about 27.73% |
| Anti-dumping duty (most producers) | None found |
| SCOMET (export control) | Not listed |
| NDPS / precursor | Not listed |
Every answer, with its source
Rules in IndiaCHECK
- Restricted use: Malathion is banned for use on Sorghum, Pea, Soybean, Castor, Sunflower, Bhindi, Brinjal, Cauliflower, Radish, Turnip, Tomato, Apple, Mango and Grape. (S.O. 4294(E) dated 3rd October, 2023)
- Registered as a pesticide with CIB&RC, so registered companies may make, import and sell it.
- 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).
- No EU REACH registration found: an EU importer (or your only representative) must register it before importing a tonne or more a year. Medicines and pesticide actives follow their own EU rules.
- Not on the US TSCA Inventory, which does not cover medicines or pesticides; those are regulated by the FDA and EPA (FIFRA).
- EU: harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI, index 015-041-00-X): Acute Tox. 4, Skin Sens. 1, Aquatic Acute 1, Aquatic Chronic 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).
- No tariff line names this chemical, so we worked out its likely heading from its structure: 2930, organo-sulphur compounds (an ester, classified by its sulphur bonded to carbon).
- All lines under heading 2930 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.
SafetyCHECK
- Poisonous, even in small amounts
- Irritates skin, eyes or breathing
- Harmful to fish and water life
- Harmful if swallowed
- May cause an allergic skin reaction
- Toxic if inhaled
- Very toxic to aquatic life
- Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
- Always read the supplier’s safety data sheet (SDS) before handling.
Storage, transport & PESOOK
- Ships as UN 2783 / UN 3018 / UN 3082 (Poison): dangerous-goods rules apply by road, sea (IMDG) and air (IATA), with labels, packaging and a transport document.
Food residue limitsOK
- India (FSSAI) sets limits for 6 foods, for example Milled food grains 1 mg/kg, Fruits 4 mg/kg, Vegetables 3 mg/kg, Dried fruits 8 mg/kg.
- EU: approved as a pesticide.
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.
- 1 generic companies already sell it in the US.
- Indian patents are not checked.
Questions about Malathion
What is the import duty on Malathion in India?
The total import duty on Malathion is about 27.73% of the import value under tariff item 2930 (estimate), including basic customs duty, the social welfare surcharge and IGST. Check the latest notifications before you import.
Is there anti-dumping duty on Malathion?
No anti-dumping duty on Malathion was found in the Customs (ADD) notifications in force.
What is the HS code (tariff item) of Malathion in India?
Malathion falls under tariff item 2930 (estimate) of the Customs Tariff of India.
Is Malathion restricted or licensed in India?
Allowed, with restrictions on use. Restricted use: Malathion is banned for use on Sorghum, Pea, Soybean, Castor, Sunflower, Bhindi, Brinjal, Cauliflower, Radish, Turnip, Tomato, Apple, Mango and Grape. (S.O. 4294(E) dated 3rd October, 2023). Registered as a pesticide with CIB&RC, so registered companies may make, import and sell it.
Does exporting Malathion from India need a licence?
No export licence needed. Not on the SCOMET export-control list or the precursor export list.
Is Malathion hazardous?
Dangerous: handle with proper protection. Poisonous, even in small amounts. Irritates skin, eyes or breathing. Harmful to fish and water life.
Is Malathion 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). No EU REACH registration found: an EU importer (or your only representative) must register it before importing a tonne or more a year. Medicines and pesticide actives follow their own EU rules.
Related chemicals
Guidance from official lists, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with DGFT, customs or the regulator before you trade.