Most Indian chemical exports need no special licence. A defined group does. India controls dual-use chemicals through its SCOMET list, short for Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies. Exports of listed items need an authorisation from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), or are prohibited.
On top of that, sanctions imposed by your own country, the UN or other jurisdictions can restrict who you may buy from, sell to or ship through.
What SCOMET covers for chemicals
The SCOMET list is set out in Appendix 3 to Schedule 2 of India's ITC(HS) export classification. Category 1 covers toxic chemical agents and other chemicals. It follows the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) schedules and adds other precursor chemicals, in line with international export control lists.
- CWC Schedule 1 chemicals are chemical warfare agents and their direct precursors. Their export is effectively prohibited, apart from narrow permitted cases between CWC states.
- CWC Schedule 2 chemicals have some legitimate uses but are key precursors. Exports are controlled and generally allowed only to CWC states under authorisation.
- CWC Schedule 3 chemicals are produced in large quantities for legitimate uses but can also serve as precursors. Exports need authorisation or end-use undertakings depending on the destination.
- Other listed precursors and chemicals in Category 1 need authorisation under the SCOMET rules.
What this means for you
If your product is listed, the Indian exporter must apply to DGFT before shipping. You will usually be asked for an end-use certificate stating who will use the goods and for what, with an undertaking not to re-export without permission. Processing takes time, so plan it into the order.
The list is amended from time to time; DGFT notification 25/2024, for example, revised Appendix 3. As of October 2026, check the current SCOMET list on the DGFT website, searching by CAS number and ITC(HS) code. Your exporter is legally responsible for the Indian licence, and should confirm with DGFT or a trade compliance adviser.
Sanctions and your own country's rules
- Screen your supplier, its owners and any intermediary against the sanctions lists of your own country and any others that apply to you.
- Check whether the product, the route or any transhipment port is affected by sanctions on particular countries.
- Check your own country's controls if you plan to re-export the chemical. The EU, UK and US each have their own dual-use regimes.
- Keep records of end use and screening, as authorities may ask for them later.
Next step
Export control compliance belongs to the exporter in India and the importer at your end, but problems are best found at the quotation stage. We confirm CAS numbers and composition early, so you can screen products against your HS code and the control lists. To start, book a free sourcing review.