What it is
White alkali powder. The main raw material for glass and a key input for detergents, silicates and chemicals.
Light soda ash (detergents)Dense soda ash (glass)
Where India produces it
- GujaratDevbhumi DwarkaSurendranagarGir SomnathPorbandar
Saurashtra coast: Tata Chemicals (Mithapur), DCW (Dhrangadhra), GHCL (Sutrapada), Saurashtra Chemicals (Porbandar), Nirma.
Where imports come from
Production 3,279.3 thousand tonnes against consumption of 4,008.1 thousand tonnes in 2024-25 (DCPC); about a million tonnes a year is imported.
- Turkey
- USA
- United Arab Emirates
- Russia
- Kenya
Rules before you buy or sell
- No Quality Control Order for soda ash appears on the BIS compulsory-certification list (checked 18 Oct 2026).
- Check the import policy of your exact 8-digit ITC(HS) code on the DGFT website before you import.
Storage and handling
Store bags dry; it absorbs moisture and forms lumps.
Businesses that use it
Detergent Powder Unit →Detergent Cake (Washing Bar) →Glass Bangles Making →Mouth-Blown Glass Hollowware →Decorative Glassware →Glass Bowl Making →
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