No. Purchasing Everclear, a high-proof grain alcohol (typically 95% ABV), is illegal in India under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, as it exceeds the 50% ABV threshold classified as “denatured spirits.” State excise laws further prohibit its sale, with recent 2026 amendments tightening enforcement on unregistered ethanol derivatives.
Key Regulations for Purchasing Everclear in India
- NDPS Act Compliance: Everclear’s alcohol content exceeds the 50% ABV limit for “denatured spirits,” triggering NDPS Act restrictions. Possession or sale constitutes an offense under Section 22, punishable with imprisonment up to 10 years.
- State Excise Policies: Most states (e.g., Maharashtra, Karnataka) explicitly ban high-proof alcohols via excise notifications. Gujarat’s Prohibition Act, 1949, criminalizes even possession, with no exceptions for “medicinal” use.
- Customs and Import Controls: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) prohibits Everclear’s import under HS Code 2207.20, aligning with the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) enforcement directives.