Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormCrystalline powder
Industry PositionFood additive (acidity regulator) and chemical intermediate
Market
In India, adipic acid (INS 355) is referenced in FSSAI regulations as an acidity regulator and is subject to category-specific limits where specified. India is a net importer of HS 291712 (adipic acid, its salts and esters); UN Comtrade (via WITS) reports 2023 imports far exceeding exports, with China and the Republic of Korea among the largest reported sources. For food-use imports, consignments may be processed through FSSAI’s Food Import Clearance System (FICS), integrated with Indian Customs ICEGATE under SWIFT, including document scrutiny and risk-based sampling/testing. Beyond food applications, adipic acid is widely used as an industrial feedstock for polymers (e.g., nylon 6,6) and polyurethane-related products, shaping distributor-led supply into domestic manufacturing.
Market RoleNet importer
Domestic RoleIndustrial intermediate with regulated food-additive use as an acidity regulator (INS 355) in permitted food categories
Market GrowthMixed (2021–2023 trade proxy)import value and quantity increased between 2021 and 2023 in UN Comtrade HS 291712 data
Specification
Physical Attributes- White, odourless crystals or crystalline powder.
Compositional Metrics- JECFA specification (INS 355): assay not less than 99.6% and not more than 101.0%.
- JECFA specification: water not more than 0.2% (Karl Fischer).
- JECFA specification: melting range 151.5–154.0°C.
- JECFA specification: lead not more than 2 mg/kg.
- JECFA specification: sulfated ash not more than 20 mg/kg.
Grades- Food additive grade conforming to JECFA specifications (INS 355).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas producer → ocean freight to Indian port → Bill of Entry filing on ICEGATE/SWIFT → (food-use) FSSAI FICS document scrutiny/inspection/sampling & testing as applicable → inland transport to distributor/manufacturer
Shelf Life- Not a cold-chain product; quality management focuses on contamination control, moisture management, and maintaining batch/lot identity for traceability and testing.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighFor adipic acid imported for food use in India, failure to meet FSSAI import clearance prerequisites (e.g., FSSAI import license/IEC) or to provide required documentation for FICS scrutiny can result in detention, rejection, or significant clearance delays.Validate HS classification and intended end-use (food vs industrial) before shipment; pre-align a complete FICS document pack (IEC, FSSAI import license, CoO, CoA, invoice/packing list, label/ingredient documents as applicable) with the CHA and importer.
Food Safety MediumNon-conformance to food additive specifications (e.g., assay range, water content, and heavy metal limits such as lead) can trigger non-compliant findings during import scrutiny/testing for food-use consignments.Contract to JECFA specifications for INS 355 and require shipment-specific CoA; implement pre-shipment QA release against assay/water/lead limits and retain retains for dispute resolution.
Logistics MediumAs India is a large net importer for HS 291712, ocean freight volatility and port-side clearance time variability can increase landed cost and disrupt production scheduling for downstream users.Use buffer inventory and staggered arrivals for critical users; lock freight/space when possible and plan for FSSAI referral risk where food-use clearance applies.
Climate MediumSupply-chain sustainability scrutiny may increase for adipic acid due to N2O-related greenhouse gas intensity at the production stage, potentially affecting supplier approval in ESG-driven procurement.Request supplier disclosure on N2O abatement and site-level emissions programs; document GHG claims and avoid unsupported “low-carbon” marketing statements.
Sustainability- Upstream adipic acid production can generate nitrous oxide (N2O) as a byproduct of industrial processes; ESG screening may focus on N2O abatement and GHG disclosure in supplier qualification.
FAQ
Is India a net importer or exporter of adipic acid (HS 291712)?India is a net importer. UN Comtrade (via the World Bank WITS portal) reports India’s 2023 imports of HS 291712 at about US$86.82 million versus exports of about US$2.74 million.
What documents are commonly needed to clear food-use imports through FSSAI’s Food Import Clearance System (FICS)?FSSAI’s FICS guidance commonly calls for an Importer-Exporter Code (DGFT IEC), an FSSAI import license, and standard customs/shipping documents such as the Bill of Entry (ICEGATE/SWIFT), invoice, packing list, and (as applicable) country-of-origin certificate, Certificate of Analysis, ingredient list, and label/specimen label documents.
What are key quality specifications for food additive-grade adipic acid (INS 355)?FAO/JECFA specifications for adipic acid (INS 355) include an assay range of 99.6–101.0%, water not more than 0.2% (Karl Fischer), a melting range of 151.5–154.0°C, and lead not more than 2 mg/kg.