Methanol (CAS 67-56-1): import duty, licences and trade rules in India
Methanol is the primary alcohol that is the simplest aliphatic alcohol, comprising a methyl and an alcohol group. For trade in India: OK to trade, but watch: global treaties & export markets. Import duty is about 21.24% (tariff item 2905 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 | 67-56-1 |
|---|---|
| Formula | CH4O |
| Also called | methyl alcohol, wood alcohol, Methylol, Wood naphtha |
| Tariff item (HS) | 2905 11 00 |
| Total import duty | about 21.24% |
| 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 2905 11 00: Free, so no import licence is needed under trade policy.
- The BIS Quality Control Order for methanol was withdrawn on 23 Jul 2025: the BIS mark is no longer compulsory.
- 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 2905 11 00: Free.
Global treaties & export marketsCHECK
- Not listed by the Stockholm Convention (persistent pollutants), the Rotterdam Convention (prior consent before export) or the Montreal Protocol (ozone layer).
- 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.
- 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 603-001-00-X): Flam. Liq. 2, Acute Tox. 3, STOT SE 1. Suppliers in the EU must label it this way.
Import dutyOK
- About ₹21,240 duty on every ₹1,00,000 of import value (CIF).
- Made up of basic customs duty 2.5%, social welfare surcharge 0.25% and IGST 18%. IGST can usually be claimed back as input tax credit.
- Tariff item 2905 11 00: Methanol (methyl alcohol).
SafetyCHECK
- Catches fire easily
- Poisonous, even in small amounts
- Can cause long-term health damage
- Highly flammable liquid and vapor
- Toxic if swallowed
- Toxic in contact with skin
- Toxic if inhaled
- Causes damage to organs
- Always read the supplier’s safety data sheet (SDS) before handling.
Storage, transport & PESOOK
- Flash point about 11.1 °C (CAMEO Chemicals).
- It is not a hydrocarbon, so the Petroleum Rules do not class it; storage still follows the state fire service’s rules and the factory licence.
- Ships as UN 1230 / UN 2924 (Flammable Liquid Corrosive, Flammable Liquid Poison (international)): dangerous-goods rules apply by road, sea (IMDG) and air (IATA), with labels, packaging and a transport document.
Price and suppliersOK
- Latest Indian market rate ₹68/kg on 2026-10-23.
- 1 supplier on RasayanXchange (Gujarat).
Questions about Methanol
What is the import duty on Methanol in India?
The total import duty on Methanol is about 21.24% of the import value under tariff item 2905 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 Methanol?
No anti-dumping duty on Methanol was found in the Customs (ADD) notifications in force.
What is the HS code (tariff item) of Methanol in India?
Methanol falls under tariff item 2905 11 00 of the Customs Tariff of India.
Is Methanol 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 2905 11 00: Free, so no import licence is needed under trade policy.
Can Methanol be imported freely into India?
Under DGFT's ITC(HS) import policy, Methanol is Free.
Does exporting Methanol from India need a licence?
No export licence needed. Not on the SCOMET export-control list or the precursor export list.
Is Methanol hazardous?
Dangerous: handle with proper protection. Catches fire easily. Poisonous, even in small amounts. Can cause long-term health damage.
Is Methanol regulated under global treaties or in the EU and US?
EU: restricted uses. Not listed by the Stockholm Convention (persistent pollutants), the Rotterdam Convention (prior consent before export) or the Montreal Protocol (ozone layer). Restricted under EU REACH Annex XVII: some uses, products or concentrations are banned in the EU; check the restriction entry for your product.
Related chemicals
Guidance from official lists, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with DGFT, customs or the regulator before you trade.