India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is currently seeking feedback on several revised standards for key chemicals used across industries, including metallic zinc powder, potassium iodate and barium chloride. ThesBIS is seeking feedback on updated standards for key chemicals like zinc powder, potassium iodate, and barium chloride.e revisions aim to improve quality control, packaging, and labeling requirements, while addressing safety concerns related to heavy metals and impurities. The following are the most important updates for the 3 substances: 

1. Revised Standard for Metallic Zinc Powder (Zinc Dust) 

Consultation Deadline: 9 December 2024 

BIS has released a third revision of the standard for metallic zinc powder, a critical substance in the chemical industry used in protective coatings, organic reactions, and the production of synthetic dyes. Key revisions include: 

• New Test Methods: Includes testing for chlorides, iron, lead, and copper. 

• Grade Classification: The standard defines two grades: 

• Grade 1: Used in the manufacture of hydrosulphites and related products. 

• Grade 2: For chemical and protective coatings. 

• Packaging and Labeling: The substance should be packaged in air-tight metal drums or double polyethylene-lined bags. Packaging must include specific information such as the material’s grade, source of manufacture, and batch traceability. 

Specifications for Zinc Powder: 

2. Revised Standard for Potassium Iodate 

Consultation Deadline: 9 December 2024 

BIS is revising the standard for potassium iodate, which is widely used in the iodization of table salt and in iodometry. The new revision introduces three grades: Analytical Reagent (AR), Food Grade (FD), and Technical Grade (TECH). The revised standard also specifies maximum permissible limits for heavy metals and modifies packaging requirements. Key updates include: 

• Grade Specifications: 

• AR grade: Strict limits on impurities such as bromate, chlorides and iron. 

• FD grade: Used in food products with lower limits on contaminants. 

• TECH grade: More lenient limits suitable for industrial use. 

• Packaging: The substance must be packaged in airtight bottles or for bulk in steel or fiber drums. 

Key Specifications for Potassium Iodate: 

3. Revised Standard for Barium Chloride 

Consultation Deadline: 25 December 2024 

BIS is revising the standard for barium chloride, a substance used in the manufacture of pigments and dyes and the removal of sulphate ions from brine. The revision introduces alternative test methods for determining copper, iron, and lead content, as well as updated packaging and labeling requirements. Key updates include:  

• Two Grades: The standard proposes two grades—Technical (TECH) and Analytical Reagent (AR). 

• Packaging: The TECH grade must be packaged in clean jute bags lined with polyethylene, while the AR grade must be packaged in glass bottles. 

• Heavy Metals Limits: The revision includes limits for heavy metals and impurities such as calcium and strontium salts. 

Key Specifications for Barium Chloride: 

Packaging and Labeling Requirements for All Chemicals 

For all three substances, BIS has updated the packaging and labeling requirements, which now require clear identification of: 

• Name and grade of the material 

• Source of manufacture 

• Net weight of the material 

• Lot or batch number 

• Date of manufacture 

Conclusion 

Bis’s revised standards aim to enhance the safety, quality, and traceability of these chemicals which are used in a wide range of industries. Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback, with the consultation deadlines approaching in December 2024. The updates are expected to improve quality control, reduce contamination risks, and ensure greater transparency in the chemical industry. 

India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is seeking public consultation on the first revision of its standard for poster colors, which are commonly used in commercial design and artwork. Established in 1976, the revision of the BIS standard for poster colors aims to incorporate technological advancements and ensure safer and more reliable products for consumers by regulating the composition and lead content in products. The deadline for comments is 10 December 2024. 

Proposed Lead Limit for Poster Colors  

The revised standard proposes that poster colors should not contain more than 10 parts per million (ppm) of lead when tested using approved methods. 

Content of the Composition 

The new guidelines also state that poster colors should be a semi-viscous paste consisting of water-soluble or dispersible binders, pigments (with or without extenders), plasticizers, and preservatives. It emphasizes that the pigment should be finely ground and must not separate from the base substance, known as the ‘vehicle,’ which typically consists of oils that help the paint to spread evenly. 

Packaging and Labeling Requirements 

Packaging requirements are also specified, with poster colors to be sold in securely capped glass or plastic containers of various sizes, including 15ml, 30ml, 120ml, 225ml and 450ml. Each container must be clearly labeled with essential information such as product name, color, net content, manufacturing date, manufacturer’s details or trademark, and batch number for traceability. 

Detailed Color Range  

The updated standard focuses on 26 specific colors, including magenta, turquoise green, carmine, mauve, dark green, pink, cobalt blue, permanent yellow, burnt sienna, prussian blue, lemon yellow, burnt umber, cerulean blue, yellow ochre, vandyke brown, ultramarine blue, orange, grey, light green, crimson lake, black, medium green, scarlet lake, white, deep green and vermilion. 

This revision aims to protect public health by limiting harmful substances in widely used art supplies, ensuring better quality control and product safety for consumers. 

For more details, the proposed standard is available here.