Procedure For Importing Hazardous Chemicals into India

Shreya Jain

Shreya Jain

Published on: Nov 14, 2025

Deepti Mudgal

Updated on: Nov 14, 2025

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Introduction:

Importing hazardous chemicals into India is governed by stringent regulations designed to ensure safety, environmental protection, and public health. These procedures align with the requirements set forth under Indian environmental and chemical safety laws.

Applicability Provisions

1. Section 6, 8 and 25 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2. Rule 18 of Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989

Mandatory Requirement

1. Satisfies any of the criteria listed in Part I of Schedule 1 or
2. Is explicitly listed in Column 2 of Part II of Schedule 1.

Procedure

1. Any person intending to import hazardous chemicals shall provide notice to the appropriate authorities:
   • At least 30 days before the date of import, or as early as reasonably possible but not later than the date of import.
   • Information to be Submitted:
     • Name and address of the recipient in India.
     • Port of entry in India.
     • Mode of transport from the exporting country.
     • Quantity of the chemical(s) being imported.
     • Complete product safety information, including Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or equivalent.
2. Submission To: The appropriate authority as specified in Column 2 of Schedule 5.
3. Assessment and Authority Interventions
   • If the State Authority believes the chemical may cause major accidents, it may:
     • Instruct the importer to implement specific safety measures.
   • If, based on safety or environmental concerns, the Authority deems the import unacceptable, it may:
     • Prohibit the import by issuing a directive to stop the consignment.
       • Prohibit the import by issuing a directive to stop the consignment.
4. Coordination with Port Authorities
   • Upon notification, the State Authority must inform the Port Authority to take all necessary actions to:
     • Ensure safe handling and storage of the hazardous chemical during off-loading within the port area.
5. Record keeping Requirements
   • Importers shall maintain detailed records of all hazardous chemicals imported, as specified in Schedule 10
   • These records must be:
     • Available for inspection by the State Authority, the Ministry of Environment and Forests or an authorized officer.
6. Transportation Compliance
   • The Importer or their agent shall ensure that transportation of hazardous chemicals from the port of entry to the final destination is conducted in compliance the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, as framed under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.