Menthol from India

India exported $134 million of menthol (HS 2906.11) in FY2025-26, down 12% on FY2024-25. Goods made in India pay 12.1% US import duty, against 39.6% for goods from China.

US duty from India
12.1%China 39.6%
India's exports, FY2025-26
$134MDown 12.0% on last year
HS code
2906.11Page updated 6 Nov 2026

US import duty, India vs China

India 12.1%
China 39.6%

India pays 27.5 points less on the lowest-duty line. From the USITC HTS 2026 Rev 22.

The US tariff line
HTS lineDescriptionBaseIndiaChina
2906.11.00.00 Cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic: Menthol2.1% if the goods are for pharmaceutical use 2.1% 12.1% 39.6%

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 menthol

FY2022-23 $193 million
FY2023-24 $173 million
FY2024-25 $153 million
FY2025-26 $134 million

India's exports to all countries under HS 2906.11, April to March, from DGCI&S.

Rules and other duties

EU base duty
The EU's average applied base (MFN) rate on HS 2906.11 is 5.5%, 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 1.6% 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 menthol from India?

12.1% on the US tariff line for this code, including the Section 301 duty on Indian goods and any Section 232 metals duty. Goods from China pay 39.6%. Anti-dumping duties and customs fees aren't included.

What is the HS code for menthol?

2906.11, under heading 2906 (Cyclic alcohols and 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 menthol?

Yes. India exported $134 million under HS 2906.11 in FY2025-26, according to DGCI&S, the Ministry of Commerce's trade statistics body.