MercuryCAS 7439-97-6 · import duty, licences and trade rules in India
Mercury(0) is elemental mercury of oxidation state zero. For trade in India: OK to trade, but watch: rules in India; global treaties & export markets; safety. Import duty is about 24.49% (tariff item 2805 40 00). DGFT policy: import Restricted, export Free. EU CMR classification: Repr. 1B.
Checked 2026-11-12 against official Indian and international lists. Sources are given under each answer.
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.
- Import under DGFT's policy for tariff item 2805 40 00 is Restricted: it needs a DGFT import authorisation or must meet the stated conditions (policy condition 3 of chapter 28). Subject to Policy Condition No. Mercury
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 2805 40 00: Free.
Global treaties & export marketsCHECK
- Its structure (contains mercury) falls under the Rotterdam Convention prior-consent entry “Mercury compounds, including inorganic mercury compounds, alkyl mercury compounds and alkyloxyalkyl and aryl mercury compounds”.
- 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.
- Restricted under EU REACH Annex XVII: some uses, products or concentrations are banned in the EU; check the restriction entry for your product.
- 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.
- US TSCA: subject to a significant new use rule (SNUR): new uses need a notice to EPA first.
- 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 reproductive toxicant category 1B (CLP Annex VI, index 080-001-00-0). 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 ₹24,490 duty on every ₹1,00,000 of import value (CIF).
- Made up of basic customs duty 5%, social welfare surcharge 0.5% and IGST 18%. IGST can usually be claimed back as input tax credit.
- Tariff item 2805 40 00: Mercury.
- A lower rate may apply under certain conditions; ask your customs broker.
SafetySTOP
- Burns skin and eyes, eats into metal
- Poisonous, even in small amounts
- Can cause long-term health damage
- Harmful to fish and water life
- May be corrosive to metals
- Fatal if swallowed or if inhaled
- Fatal if swallowed
- Fatal if inhaled
- May damage fertility or the unborn child
- Always read the supplier’s safety data sheet (SDS) before handling.
Storage, transport & PESOOK
- Ships as UN 2777 / UN 2778 / UN 2809 (Corrosive Poison): dangerous-goods rules apply by road, sea (IMDG) and air (IATA), with labels, packaging and a transport document.
Price and suppliersNO DATA
- India imported 63 tonnes in 2025-26 (down 26% on 2024-25) under tariff item 28054000, “Mercury”.
- Post a requirement and we will find suppliers for you.
Key facts
| CAS number | 7439-97-6 |
|---|---|
| Formula | Hg |
| Also called | Quicksilver, Hydrargyrum, Liquid silver, Metallic mercury |
| Tariff item (HS) | 2805 40 00 |
| Total import duty | about 24.49% |
| Anti-dumping duty (most producers) | None found |
| DGFT import policy | Restricted |
| DGFT export policy | Free |
| SCOMET (export control) | Not listed |
| NDPS / precursor | Not listed |
| EU CMR classification | Repr. 1B |
Questions about Mercury
What is the import duty on Mercury in India?
The total import duty on Mercury is about 24.49% of the import value under tariff item 2805 40 00, including basic customs duty, the social welfare surcharge and IGST. Check the latest notifications before you import.
Is there anti-dumping duty on Mercury?
No anti-dumping duty on Mercury was found in the Customs (ADD) notifications in force.
What is the HS code (tariff item) of Mercury in India?
Mercury falls under tariff item 2805 40 00 of the Customs Tariff of India.
Is Mercury restricted or licensed in India?
Import restricted (DGFT policy). Not on the Indian banned-pesticide, drug-precursor, narcotic, psychotropic or new-drug lists we check. Normal factory, storage and GST rules still apply.
Can Mercury be imported freely into India?
Under DGFT's ITC(HS) import policy, Mercury is Restricted. Restricted items need a DGFT import authorisation or must meet the stated conditions.
Does exporting Mercury from India need a licence?
No export licence needed. Not on the SCOMET export-control list or the precursor export list.
Is Mercury hazardous?
Very hazardous: strict controls needed. Burns skin and eyes, eats into metal. Poisonous, even in small amounts. Can cause long-term health damage.
Is Mercury regulated under global treaties or in the EU and US?
Export needs the importing country’s consent. Its structure (contains mercury) falls under the Rotterdam Convention prior-consent entry “Mercury compounds, including inorganic mercury compounds, alkyl mercury compounds and alkyloxyalkyl and aryl mercury compounds”. 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.