Why Ankleshwar–Vapi–Dahej is iconic:
The Ankleshwar–Vapi–Dahej belt in Gujarat is India’s largest API and specialty chemicals manufacturing hub, often called the “Pharma & Chemical Capital of India”. This cluster contributes a significant share of India’s API exports, with hundreds of plants supplying to regulated markets like the US, EU, and Japan.

Industrial edge:

• Integrated chemical value chain: From basic chemicals to high-value APIs and custom manufacturing.
  
• Home to over 1,000 chemical and pharma units (MSMEs to large MNCs).
  
• Supported by port proximity (Dahej, Hazira, Nhava Sheva) for export competitiveness.
  
• Major investments in SEZs, PCPIR (Petroleum, Chemicals & Petrochemicals Investment Region) and effluent treatment plants for compliance.
  

Scale: Gujarat accounts for over 50% of India’s chemical output and 40%+ of API exports, with this belt as the largest contributor.

Product Range

Category	Key Products
APIs (Bulk Drugs)	Antibiotics, antihypertensives, antidiabetics, antimalarials, oncology APIs
Intermediates	Key starting materials (KSMs), intermediates for pharma synthesis
Specialty Chemicals	Agrochemicals, textile chemicals, pigments, dyes, and additives
Fine & Custom Chemicals	Contract manufacturing (CMO/CDMO) for pharma and agro sectors
Industrial Chemicals	Caustic soda, soda ash, acetone, methanol, chlor-alkali derivatives
Biopharma Precursors	Amino acids, excipients, nutraceutical raw materials

Cluster Strengths

Feature	Details
Chemical & API Capital of India	Houses Asia’s largest industrial estates (Ankleshwar GIDC, Vapi GIDC)
Global Market Access	Supplies APIs/intermediates to 150+ countries
Regulatory-Approved Plants	USFDA, EDQM, WHO GMP, TGA, and MHRA-certified facilities
Infrastructure Backbone	Dahej PCPIR with multi-modal logistics, deep-water port, and pipeline network
R&D-Driven	Dozens of R&D labs, pilot plants, and process innovation centers
Talent Pool	Skilled chemical engineers, chemists, and pharma professionals from Gujarat’s institutes

Materials & Sustainability

Key Inputs: Petrochemical feedstock, solvents, basic chemicals, catalysts, reagents, packaging materials (HDPE drums, fiber drums).

Sustainability Edge:

• Asia’s largest Central Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) in Ankleshwar and Vapi
  
• Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) compliance for major exporters
  
• Solar power integration in industrial estates
  
• Gujarat PCPIR mandates strict environmental monitoring and emission norms
  

Cluster Infrastructure

• Industrial Parks & SEZs:
  
  • Ankleshwar GIDC: API and chemical estates
    
  • Vapi GIDC: Specialty chemicals and dyes hub
    
  • Dahej PCPIR: Mega SEZ for petrochemicals and downstream processing
    
• Institutions:
  
  • National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad
    
  • Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB)
    
  • Gujarat Chemical Association and Ankleshwar Industries Association
    
• Connectivity:
  
  • Dahej, Hazira, Nhava Sheva ports for exports
    
  • Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) nearby
    
  • NH-48 for trucking chemicals to Mumbai and Delhi markets
    

Compliance & Certifications

• USFDA, EDQM, WHO GMP, and CEP certifications for regulated APIs
  
• ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 for EHS management
  
• NABL-accredited QC/QA labs for intermediates and APIs
  
• REACH compliance for EU exports
  
• SEDEX and SA8000 for sustainable sourcing audits
  
• CDSCO/ICH Q7 compliance for APIs
  

Production Timelines & MOQs

Product Type	Sampling Lead Time	Bulk Lead Time	MOQ Guidance
APIs (Regulated)	2–3 weeks	6–8 weeks	100–500 kg per API
Intermediates	2 weeks	5–7 weeks	500+ kg per SKU
Specialty Chemicals	1–2 weeks	4–6 weeks	1–5 MT lots
Fine Chemicals/Custom Synthesis	3–4 weeks (R&D)	8–12 weeks	Project-based
Excipients/Nutraceuticals	1–2 weeks	4–6 weeks	500+ kg per order

Branding & Packaging

• Branding: QR-coded labels, batch numbers, CoA traceability, export-grade labeling per ICH guidelines
  
• Packaging:
  
  • HDPE/Fiber drums (25–50 kg), IBC tanks (1000L), bulk ISO tanks
    
  • Seaworthy packing with moisture-absorbent liners
    
  • Dangerous Goods (DG) labeling as per IMDG, ADR guidelines
    

Quality Control (IndiaUnbox Protocol)

• HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, and IR testing for APIs and intermediates
  
• Batch release CoA with impurity profiles
  
• Stability and shelf-life studies for regulated markets
  
• In-process control (IPC) checks at each stage
  
• Third-party audits (SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas) for export compliance
  

Price Drivers

• Petrochemical feedstock pricing (crude oil dependency)
  
• Solvent recycling and EHS infrastructure costs
  
• Regulatory filing costs (DMF, CEP, ANDA)
  
• Freight surcharges for hazardous chemical shipments
  
• Capacity allocation to domestic vs. regulated export markets
  

Buyer Confidence Signals

• Gujarat contributes 40%+ of India’s chemical production and 40%+ of API exports
  
• Ankleshwar GIDC: Asia’s first certified mega chemical estate with CETPs
  
• Vapi GIDC: Global hub for dyes, pigments, and specialty chemicals
  
• Dahej PCPIR: World-class infrastructure for chemical processing and port-based industries
  
• Cluster is a preferred CDMO/CMO destination for pharma and chemical giants due to cost, scale, and compliance.