Benzoic acid and salts from India
India exported $74.6 million of benzoic acid and salts (HS 2916.31) in FY2025-26, up 71% on FY2024-25. Goods made in India pay 16.5% US import duty, against 44% for goods from China.
- US duty from India
- 16.5%China 44%
- India's exports, FY2025-26
- $75MUp 71.3% on last year
- HS code
- 2916.31Page updated 6 Nov 2026
US import duty, India vs China
India pays 27.5 points less on the lowest-duty line. From the USITC HTS 2026 Rev 22.
All 4 US tariff lines
| HTS line | Description | Base | India | China |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2916.31.11 | Benzoic acid, its salts and esters: Benzoic acid and its salts | 6.5% | 16.5% | 44% |
| 2916.31.20.00 | Other: Odoriferous or flavoring compounds | 6.5% | 16.5% | 44% |
| 2916.31.30.00 | Other: Products described in additional U.S. note 3 to section VI6.5% if the goods are for pharmaceutical use | 6.5% | 16.5% | 44% |
| 2916.31.50.00 | Other: Other6.5% if the goods are for pharmaceutical use | 6.5% | 16.5% | 44% |
Totals include the Section 301 duty on goods from India or China and any Section 232 metals duty. They exclude anti-dumping and countervailing duties and customs fees. Check the current rate before you quote.
India's exports of benzoic acid and salts
India's exports to all countries under HS 2916.31, April to March, from DGCI&S.
Rules and other duties
- EU base duty
- The EU's average applied base (MFN) rate on HS 2916.31 is 6.5%, from 2021 data. It doesn't include India's GSP preference, so goods from India may pay less. Check the current rate in TARIC before you quote.
- RoDTEP
- India's schedule lists 0.7% of FOB value for exporters. The scheme was notified until 30 September 2026, so check with DGFT whether it's been extended.
- India's export policy
- Free to export, with no licence needed.
Common questions
What is the US import duty on benzoic acid and salts from India?
16.5% on the 4 US tariff lines under HS 2916.31, including the Section 301 duty on Indian goods and any Section 232 metals duty. Goods from China pay 44%. Anti-dumping duties and customs fees aren't included.
What is the HS code for benzoic acid and salts?
2916.31, under heading 2916 (Unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, cyclic monocarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides and peroxyacids; their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives). Check the exact 8-digit or 10-digit line with your customs broker, since duty can differ between lines.
Does India export benzoic acid and salts?
Yes. India exported $74.6 million under HS 2916.31 in FY2025-26, according to DGCI&S, the Ministry of Commerce's trade statistics body.