Methotrexate (CAS 59-05-2): import duty, licences and trade rules in India
Methotrexate is a member of pteridines, a monocarboxylic acid amide and a dicarboxylic acid. For trade in India: OK to trade, but watch: rules in India; safety. Import duty is about 24.49% (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 | 59-05-2 |
|---|---|
| Formula | C20H22N8O5 |
| Also called | Rheumatrex, Amethopterin, Metatrexan, Hdmtx |
| Tariff item (HS) | 2933 (estimate) |
| Total import duty | about 24.49% |
| 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.)
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.
- Active on the US TSCA Inventory, so it can be imported into the US without a new-chemical notice.
Import dutyOK
- About ₹24,490 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 24.49%.
- Confirm the exact 8-digit code with your customs broker before you import.
SafetySTOP
- Poisonous, even in small amounts
- Irritates skin, eyes or breathing
- Can cause long-term health damage
- Toxic if swallowed
- Causes skin irritation
- Causes serious eye irritation
- May cause genetic defects
- May damage fertility or the unborn child
- Always read the supplier’s safety data sheet (SDS) before handling.
Storage, transport & PESOOK
- Ships as UN 3249 (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.
- 13 generic companies already sell it in the US.
- Indian patents are not checked.
Questions about Methotrexate
What is the import duty on Methotrexate in India?
The total import duty on Methotrexate is about 24.49% 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 Methotrexate?
No anti-dumping duty on Methotrexate was found in the Customs (ADD) notifications in force.
What is the HS code (tariff item) of Methotrexate in India?
Methotrexate falls under tariff item 2933 (estimate) of the Customs Tariff of India.
Is Methotrexate 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 Methotrexate from India need a licence?
No export licence needed. Not on the SCOMET export-control list or the precursor export list.
Is Methotrexate hazardous?
Very hazardous: strict controls needed. Poisonous, even in small amounts. Irritates skin, eyes or breathing. Can cause long-term health damage.
Is Methotrexate 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.