What it is
Waxy alcohols made from palm-kernel or coconut oil (C12–C18). Turned into sulphates and ethoxylates (SLS, SLES) for shampoos, liquid detergents and cosmetics.
C12–C14 (lauryl)C16–C18 (cetostearyl)
Where imports come from
No official national production or import-source table was found in the sources checked.
Rules before you buy or sell
- No Quality Control Order for fatty alcohols appears on the BIS compulsory-certification list (checked 18 Oct 2026).
- Related fatty-acid QCOs (lauric, palm, coconut, rice bran and hydrogenated rice bran fatty acids) were rescinded on 22 Oct 2025; rubberseed fatty acids (IS 12124) is still listed.
Storage and handling
Store sealed; solid grades may need warming to melt before use.