How to Export Chemicals from India: Legal Guide + Tips (2025 Edition)

🌍 Introduction: India’s Booming Chemical Export Industry

India’s chemical industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world. From cleaning products and industrial chemicals to specialty chemicals, adhesives, paints, and toiletries, Indian manufacturers are exporting to over 150+ countries including the USA, UAE, UK, Bangladesh, South Africa, and European Union.

As per India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), chemical exports from India crossed $29 billion in FY 2023–24, with expectations to cross $35 billion in 2025.

If you are a manufacturer, trader, or home-based producer, you can tap into this massive opportunity.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to legally and profitably export chemicals from India, covering:

• Required licenses and documents
• Important compliance and safety measures
• Step-by-step export process
• How to find foreign buyers
• Tips to maximize profit and avoid rejection

Let’s dive in.

✅ Step 1: Choose the Right Chemical Products to Export

Start with products that are high in demand, low in risk, and legally exportable.

📦 Best Chemical Products to Export from India:

• White phenyl concentrate
• Toilet cleaner liquid
• Liquid detergent / handwash
• Industrial degreasers
• Paint thinners and adhesives
• Disinfectants and hygiene chemicals
• Agro-chemicals (subject to regulation)

🧠 Tip: Avoid highly restricted items like explosives, radioactive materials, and hazardous lab reagents without proper licenses.

✅ Step 2: Get an Import Export Code (IEC)

IEC is mandatory to export anything legally from India.

How to Apply:

• Visit: https://www.dgft.gov.in
• Documents required:
  • PAN card
  • Business address proof
  • Bank details
  • MSME registration (optional but recommended)

Cost: ₹500
Time: 1–3 days
Validity: Lifetime

You will receive a 10-digit IEC number which is used in all export documents.

✅ Step 3: Classify Your Product Using HS Code

HS (Harmonized System) codes are used to identify and declare the category of your chemical during international trade.

Common HS Codes for Chemicals:

🧠 Use the correct HS code to avoid custom delays and tax issues.

You can find HS codes on: https://www.icegate.gov.in

✅ Step 4: Prepare Required Documents

To export any chemical product, you must provide these core documents:

📄 Mandatory Export Documents:

1. Commercial Invoice – Bill of sale with GST excluded
2. Packing List – Lists items and packaging format
3. Bill of Lading / Airway Bill – From your shipping company
4. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) – Required for all chemicals
5. GHS Label Sample – With hazard pictogram and signal word
6. Certificate of Origin – Provided by your local chamber of commerce
7. Insurance Certificate – Especially for sea/air cargo
8. AD Code Registration – With customs and your bank (for foreign payment)

Optional but beneficial:

• BIS certification
• Test reports / COA (Certificate of Analysis)
• REACH compliance (for EU)

✅ Step 5: Apply GHS Labeling and MSDS

These are mandatory for international shipments of chemical products.

GHS (Globally Harmonized System) Label:

• Product name
• Signal word: “Danger” or “Warning”
• Hazard class: Flammable / Corrosive / Toxic
• Hazard pictogram
• Manufacturer’s details
• Net quantity
• Expiry date (if applicable)

MSDS Must Include:

• Composition
• Toxicology
• Handling and storage
• First aid measures
• Fire-fighting guidelines
• Ecological information
• Transport classification
• Regulatory data

📌 Tip: Create a 16-section SDS format as per UN and OSHA standards.

✅ Step 6: Find International Buyers

🧲 Ways to Get Foreign Clients for Your Chemical Products:

1. Register on B2B platforms:
   • IndiaMART International
   • Alibaba
   • ExportersIndia
   • Global Sources
   • TradeKey
2. Join Export Promotion Councils:
   • CHEMEXCIL (chemexcil.in)
   • FIEO (fieo.org)
   • APEDA (for agrochemicals)
3. Attend Chemical Trade Fairs & Expos:
   • ArabLab (Dubai)
   • India Chem
   • World of Chemicals Expo
4. Cold Emailing with Samples & MSDS
5. LinkedIn Networking with Procurement Managers

🧠 Focus on Africa, Middle East, and SAARC countries — low competition and high demand.

✅ Step 7: Choose the Right Shipping Method

🚢 Shipping Options:

• Air Freight – For small parcels or urgent shipments
• Sea Freight (LCL/FCL) – For large volumes, best cost per liter/kg
• Courier (FedEx/DHL) – For samples or small B2B orders
• Third-Party Logistics (3PL) – Handles door-to-door delivery

Make sure your cargo is cleared via customs (ICEGATE) and you’ve filled the Shipping Bill online.

✅ Step 8: Receive Payment Safely

Use safe and compliant payment methods like:

🧠 Always declare foreign remittance under Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme (EPCG) to get incentives.

✅ Step 9: Register on Export Incentive Schemes

The Indian government gives exporters tax rebates, subsidies, and duty refunds under these schemes:

📋 Important Export Incentive Programs:

• RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products)
• MEIS (Merchandise Export from India Scheme)
• Advance Authorization Scheme
• Duty Drawback
• Interest Equalization Scheme

Enroll via DGFT Portal and file returns regularly to claim refunds up to 5% of invoice value.

✅ Exporting to Specific Countries? Watch for This

🚫 Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using the wrong HS Code
❌ Exporting chemicals without MSDS
❌ Sending untested samples
❌ Ignoring destination country’s labeling rules
❌ No bank AD Code = Payment stuck
❌ Poor packaging → damage or rejection at customs

💡 Bonus Tips for Chemical Export Success

• Offer bulk discounts (20L, 50L, 200L drums)
• Invest in tamper-proof packaging
• Always provide samples with full documents
• Use freight forwarding agents for complex destinations
• Create a digital product catalog with QR codes
• Add your brand on label (with “Manufactured in India”)

📈 How Much Can You Earn?

Let’s say you manufacture 100L of liquid detergent:

• Cost of production: ₹1,500
• Export price (FOB): ₹6,000–₹7,000
• Net Profit (after freight): ₹3,000–₹4,000
• Monthly export batches: 10
• 👉 Total Profit: ₹30,000–₹50,000/month (starting scale)

Now scale it to 500L or 1000L per month and you’ll see ₹1 lakh+/month in profit.

🧠 Conclusion: Start Small, Export Smart

Exporting chemicals from India is no longer limited to large factories. Even small or home-based units can now legally export products with the right documents and compliance.

Just follow this 9-step plan:

1. Get IEC & classify with HS code
2. Make MSDS + GHS-compliant label
3. Register on B2B platforms
4. Ship with valid documentation
5. Receive payments via secure bank channels
6. Claim incentives from DGFT
7. Keep records of all exports

🚀 Need Help?
Download our “Chemical Export Starter Kit” or book a 1:1 consultation with an export expert.