To import chemicals from India to the USA, the EU or the UK, the main difference is the registration regime. The US uses TSCA, which asks whether a substance is on the inventory; the EU and the UK each run their own REACH system, which requires registration by volume. If you ask how to import chemicals to the USA, or how to import chemicals to the EU, the answer starts with identifying your substance and then checking each regime.
This page compares them. It is guidance only, and the authority in each case is the regulator and your customs broker.
How do TSCA, EU REACH and UK REACH differ?
Under TSCA, the importer must make sure the substance is on the TSCA Inventory and certify compliance on import. See TSCA substance listing. Under EU REACH, a substance imported above the volume threshold must be registered by the importer or through an Only Representative appointed by the non-EU manufacturer. EU REACH for imported chemicals explains it. UK REACH is a separate system for Great Britain, with its own registration, covered in UK REACH vs EU REACH.
Because the regimes are independent, a registration in one does not cover another. Germany and other EU states apply the EU rules, with some national additions on reporting and waste, so importing chemicals to Germany follows the EU route.
Who is responsible?
- United States: the importer of record is responsible for the TSCA certification at entry.
- European Union: the EU importer, or the Only Representative named by the supplier, holds the REACH duty.
- United Kingdom: the Great Britain importer or a UK-based Only Representative holds the duty under UK REACH, and the deadlines have been extended, so check the current schedule with the Health and Safety Executive.
What changes on labels and safety data sheets?
All three require hazard communication but with different rules. The EU applies CLP, Great Britain applies GB CLP, and the US applies OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard for workplaces. Safety data sheets follow a 16-section format but have market-specific details, such as emergency numbers and local language. See CLP labelling and GHS labels.
What about duties?
Duty depends on the customs classification of the substance and the origin. Do not rely on a general answer. Check the current tariff in each market, using the official tariff databases, and read import duties for Indian chemicals. Trade remedies can also apply to specific products. Your broker can confirm the figure.
What should you prepare before you ask for a quote?
Gather the substance name, the CAS and EC numbers if it has one, the intended use and the likely annual volume. These decide whether registration is required and at what level. Then ask your supplier for a safety data sheet, the composition in enough detail for a regulatory check and a statement of who will act as Only Representative if one is used. Hold the order until your adviser or broker confirms the route. A shipment held at the border because the paperwork was missing is slower and more costly than a week of preparation.
Next step
We cannot give legal advice on registration, but we can help you line up the supplier information a broker or consultant will ask for, and check the samples and lots. We work only for the buyer, for one written fee agreed in advance. Book a free sourcing review and tell us your substance and market.