What it is
Dyes that bond chemically with cotton, viscose and other cellulose fibres. The main dye class for cotton yarn, fabric and garment dyeing and printing.
Hot-brand (HE) dyesCold-brand (M) dyesVinyl sulphone (ME / bifunctional) dyes
Where India produces it
Where imports come from
India is a big exporter: production 163.7 thousand tonnes and exports 159,182 tonnes in 2024-25 (DCPC); imports were 4,003 tonnes.
- Thailand
- South Korea
- China
- Turkey
Rules before you buy or sell
- No Quality Control Order for reactive dyes appears on the BIS compulsory-certification list (checked 18 Oct 2026).
- Export buyers often ask for compliance with restricted-substance lists (no banned amines, heavy-metal limits).
Storage and handling
Store sealed and dry; moisture spoils reactive dyes.
Businesses that use it
Dupatta Colouring and Dyeing Unit →Cotton Yarn Dyeing (Hank and Package Dyeing) →Saree Dyeing and Printing →Bleaching and Dyeing of Cotton Knitted Fabric (Job Work) →Shirt and Garment Dyeing →Textile Printing (Screen Printing on Fabric) →
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