Toluene (CAS 108-88-3): import duty, licences and trade rules in India
Toluene is the simplest member of the class toluenes consisting of a benzene core which bears a single methyl substituent. For trade in India: OK to trade, but watch: global treaties & export markets; storage, transport & PESO. Import duty is about 21.24% (tariff item 2902 30 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 | 108-88-3 |
|---|---|
| Formula | C7H8 |
| Also called | methylbenzene, toluol, Phenylmethane, methacide |
| Tariff item (HS) | 2902 30 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.
- Internationally monitored drug precursor (UN 1988 Convention, Table II). India does not license it, but some importing countries ask for end-use papers, and unusual bulk orders may be reported.
- Import policy (DGFT ITC(HS)) for tariff item 2902 30 00: Free, so no import licence is needed under trade policy.
- The BIS Quality Control Order for toluene was withdrawn on 28 Nov 2025: the BIS mark is no longer compulsory.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 2902 30 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.
- A US DEA List II chemical (drug precursor): imports above the DEA threshold quantity need an import declaration.
- 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 601-021-00-3): Flam. Liq. 2, Repr. 2, Asp. Tox. 1, STOT RE 2, Skin Irrit. 2, STOT SE 3. 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 2902 30 00: Toluene.
SafetyCHECK
- Catches fire easily
- Irritates skin, eyes or breathing
- Can cause long-term health damage
- Highly flammable liquid and vapor
- May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways
- Causes skin irritation
- May cause drowsiness or dizziness
- Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child
- Always read the supplier’s safety data sheet (SDS) before handling.
Storage, transport & PESOCHECK
- Petroleum Class A (flash point about 4.4 °C): importing, storing or transporting it above the exempted quantity needs a PESO licence.
- Ships as UN 1294 (Flammable Liquid): 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 ₹141/kg on 2026-10-31 (down 10.5% in 7 days).
- 1 supplier on RasayanXchange (Gujarat).
Questions about Toluene
What is the import duty on Toluene in India?
The total import duty on Toluene is about 21.24% of the import value under tariff item 2902 30 00, including basic customs duty, the social welfare surcharge and IGST. Check the latest notifications before you import.
Is there anti-dumping duty on Toluene?
No anti-dumping duty on Toluene was found in the Customs (ADD) notifications in force.
What is the HS code (tariff item) of Toluene in India?
Toluene falls under tariff item 2902 30 00 of the Customs Tariff of India.
Is Toluene 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. Internationally monitored drug precursor (UN 1988 Convention, Table II). India does not license it, but some importing countries ask for end-use papers, and unusual bulk orders may be reported.
Can Toluene be imported freely into India?
Under DGFT's ITC(HS) import policy, Toluene is Free.
Does exporting Toluene from India need a licence?
No export licence needed. Not on the SCOMET export-control list or the precursor export list.
Is Toluene hazardous?
Dangerous: handle with proper protection. Catches fire easily. Irritates skin, eyes or breathing. Can cause long-term health damage.
Is Toluene 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.