Metronidazole (CAS 443-48-1): import duty, licences and trade rules in India

Metronidazole is a member of the class of imidazoles substituted at C-1, -2 and -5 with 2-hydroxyethyl, nitro and methyl groups respectively. For trade in India: OK to trade, but watch: rules in India; safety. Import duty is about 27.73% (tariff item 2933 29 20). DGFT policy: import not listed, export Free. Drug schedule: H.

OK to trade, but watch: rules in India; safety.

Checked 2026-10-31 against official Indian and international lists. Sources are given under each answer.

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Key facts

CAS number443-48-1
FormulaC6H9N3O3
Also calledMetronidazol, Gineflavir, Deflamon, Orvagil
Tariff item (HS)2933 29 20
Total import dutyabout 27.73%
Anti-dumping duty (most producers)None found
DGFT export policyFree
SCOMET (export control)Not listed
NDPS / precursorNot listed
Drug scheduleH

Every answer, with its source

Rules in IndiaCHECK

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.
  • 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.)
Source: CIB&RC pesticide lists · CDSCO new drug approvals · NDPS RCS Order 2013 · Drugs and Cosmetics Rules 1945, Schedules H, H1 and X

Exporting from IndiaOK

No export licence needed
  • 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 2933 29 20: Free.
Source: DGFT SCOMET list · NDPS RCS Order 2013 · DGFT ITC(HS) 2022, Schedule 2 Export Policy

Global treaties & export marketsOK

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.
  • Not on the US TSCA Inventory, which does not cover medicines or pesticides; those are regulated by the FDA and EPA (FIFRA).
Source: Stockholm Convention, all listed POPs · Rotterdam Convention Annex III · Montreal Protocol annexes (ozone layer, Kigali HFCs) · US EPA TSCA Inventory · ECHA REACH lists, as published in PubChem

Import dutyOK

About 27.73% of the import value
  • About ₹27,730 duty on every ₹1,00,000 of import value (CIF).
  • Made up of basic customs duty 7.5%, social welfare surcharge 0.75% and IGST 18%. IGST can usually be claimed back as input tax credit.
  • Tariff item 2933 29 20: Metronidazole, metronidiazole benzoate.
Source: Customs Tariff of India, CBIC · Notification 45/2025-Customs · Notification 9/2025-Integrated Tax (Rate)

SafetySTOP

Very hazardous: strict controls needed
  • Irritates skin, eyes or breathing
  • Can cause long-term health damage
  • Harmful if swallowed
  • Harmful in contact with skin
  • Harmful if inhaled
  • Suspected of causing genetic defects
  • May cause cancer
  • Always read the supplier’s safety data sheet (SDS) before handling.
Source: PubChem GHS classification

Price and suppliersNO DATA

Not on RasayanXchange yet
  • Post a requirement and we will find suppliers for you.
Source: RasayanXchange market data

US patentsCHECK

Some US product patents run to 2039-10-04
  • The molecule is free, but some US formulations or uses are still protected.
  • 27 generic companies already sell it in the US.
  • Indian patents are not checked.
Source: FDA Orange Book

Questions about Metronidazole

What is the import duty on Metronidazole in India?

The total import duty on Metronidazole is about 27.73% of the import value under tariff item 2933 29 20, including basic customs duty, the social welfare surcharge and IGST. Check the latest notifications before you import.

Is there anti-dumping duty on Metronidazole?

No anti-dumping duty on Metronidazole was found in the Customs (ADD) notifications in force.

What is the HS code (tariff item) of Metronidazole in India?

Metronidazole falls under tariff item 2933 29 20 of the Customs Tariff of India.

Is Metronidazole 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 Metronidazole from India need a licence?

No export licence needed. Not on the SCOMET export-control list or the precursor export list.

Is Metronidazole hazardous?

Very hazardous: strict controls needed. Irritates skin, eyes or breathing. Can cause long-term health damage. Harmful if swallowed.

Is Metronidazole 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

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Guidance from official lists, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with DGFT, customs or the regulator before you trade.