Potassium (CAS 7440-09-7): import duty, licences and trade rules in India
Potassium atom is an alkali metal atom. For trade in India: OK to trade, but watch: rules in India. Import duty is about 5.0% (tariff item 2805 (estimate)). DGFT policy: import Restricted, export not listed.
Checked 2026-10-31 against official Indian and international lists. Sources are given under each answer.
Key facts
| CAS number | 7440-09-7 |
|---|---|
| Formula | K |
| Also called | Kalium, Potassium, metal, Potassium, elemental, Potassium metal |
| Tariff item (HS) | 2805 (estimate) |
| Total import duty | about 5.0% |
| Anti-dumping duty (most producers) | None found |
| DGFT import policy | Restricted |
| SCOMET (export control) | Not listed |
| NDPS / precursor | Not listed |
Every answer, with its source
Rules in IndiaCHECK
- A medicine containing it was approved by CDSCO in 2022: Gimeracil bulk & Oteracil potassium bulk and Tegafur 15mg/20mg, Gimeracil 4.35mg/5.8mg…
- Making or selling medicines needs a drug licence.
- Import under DGFT's policy for tariff item 2941 10 10 is Restricted: it needs a DGFT import authorisation or must meet the stated conditions. (a) However, import of Penicillin G-potassium (PEN-G) having CIF value less than INR 2,216/ per Kilogram is ‘
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).
- 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 019-001-00-2): Water-react. 1, Skin Corr. 1B. Suppliers in the EU must label it this way.
Import dutyOK
- About ₹5,000 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 name: 2805, alkali, alkaline-earth and rare-earth metals; mercury (named compound).
- All lines under heading 2805 pay basic customs duty 5%; with social welfare surcharge and IGST 5% that makes about 5%.
- Confirm the exact 8-digit code with your customs broker before you import.
SafetyCHECK
- Catches fire easily
- Burns skin and eyes, eats into metal
- In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously
- Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
- Causes serious eye damage
- Always read the supplier’s safety data sheet (SDS) before handling.
Storage, transport & PESOOK
- Ships as UN 1420 / UN 2257 / UN 3403 (Dangerous When Wet): 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.
- 47 generic companies already sell it in the US.
- Indian patents are not checked.
Questions about Potassium
What is the import duty on Potassium in India?
The total import duty on Potassium is about 5.0% of the import value under tariff item 2805 (estimate), including basic customs duty, the social welfare surcharge and IGST. Check the latest notifications before you import.
Is there anti-dumping duty on Potassium?
No anti-dumping duty on Potassium was found in the Customs (ADD) notifications in force.
What is the HS code (tariff item) of Potassium in India?
Potassium falls under tariff item 2805 (estimate) of the Customs Tariff of India.
Is Potassium restricted or licensed in India?
Import restricted (DGFT policy). A medicine containing it was approved by CDSCO in 2022: Gimeracil bulk & Oteracil potassium bulk and Tegafur 15mg/20mg, Gimeracil 4.35mg/5.8mg…. Making or selling medicines needs a drug licence.
Can Potassium be imported freely into India?
Under DGFT's ITC(HS) import policy, Potassium is Restricted. Restricted items need a DGFT import authorisation or must meet the stated conditions.
Does exporting Potassium from India need a licence?
No export licence needed. Not on the SCOMET export-control list or the precursor export list.
Is Potassium hazardous?
Dangerous: handle with proper protection. Catches fire easily. Burns skin and eyes, eats into metal. In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously.
Is Potassium 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
Guidance from official lists, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with DGFT, customs or the regulator before you trade.