What it is
Common fast-drying solvent made from ethanol and acetic acid. Used in flexible-packaging printing inks, adhesives, lacquers, nail polish and pharma.
Technical (99.5%+)Pharma grade
Where India produces it
- Uttar PradeshAmroha
Jubilant Ingrevia.
- MaharashtraRaigadAhilyanagar
Laxmi Organic, Ashok Alco-chem and sugar-based units.
Where imports come from
India makes more than it needs; imports were only 362 tonnes in 2024-25 (DCPC).
Rules before you buy or sell
- No Quality Control Order for ethyl acetate appears on the BIS compulsory-certification list (checked 18 Oct 2026).
- Flammable solvents are petroleum under the Petroleum Act; storing more than the exempt quantity needs a PESO licence under the Petroleum Rules, 2002.
Storage and handling
Highly flammable. Store in closed, earthed drums in a licensed, ventilated solvent store.
Businesses that use it
Printing Ink →Laminated Flexible Packaging →Nail Polish Unit (Small) →BOPP Adhesive Tape →
Sources (3)
- Chemical and Petrochemical Statistics at a Glance 2025, Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals (Tables 3, 5, 8, 10, 16, 17, 20, 28)
- Directory of Chemical & Petrochemical Units 2022-23 (large and medium units), Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals · 2023
- BIS — Products under compulsory certification, Scheme-I (QCO list with amendment and rescind orders; page updated 24 Sep 2026) · 2026