What it is
Alcohol made from sugarcane molasses, cane juice or grain. Used for fuel blending, sanitiser, pharma, ethyl acetate, perfumes and solvents.
Rectified spirit (about 95%)Extra neutral alcohol (ENA)Denatured spirit (industrial)Anhydrous / fuel ethanol (99.5%+)
Where India produces it
- Uttar PradeshBijnorAmroha
Sugar-mill and alcohol units listed by DCPC (organic chemicals).
- MaharashtraAhilyanagar
Sugar-mill based distilleries listed by DCPC.
Where imports come from
No single official production figure was found in the sources checked.
Rules before you buy or sell
- Making, storing, moving and selling ethanol needs licences and permits from your state excise department.
- Ethyl alcohol is listed in Schedule 1 of the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical (MSIHC) Rules, 1989. Above the threshold quantities, a unit must notify authorities, keep safety data sheets and an on-site emergency plan.
- Flammable solvents are petroleum under the Petroleum Act; storing more than the exempt quantity needs a PESO licence under the Petroleum Rules, 2002.
- Import of ethanol for fuel use is restricted; check the ITC(HS) policy on DGFT.
Storage and handling
Highly flammable. Store in sealed, earthed tanks or drums in an excise-approved, ventilated store.
Businesses that use it
Hand Sanitizer Manufacturing →Perfume Manufacturing →Perfumery Compound Blending →Nail Paint Remover Unit →