India Regulatory News

In its Second Report (October 2025), the High-Level Committee on Non-Financial Regulatory Reforms (HLC-NFRR) called for a major overhaul of India’s Quality Control Order (QCO) framework. The number ...

In its Second Report (October 2025), the High-Level Committee on Non-Financial Regulatory Reforms (HLC-NFRR) called for a major overhaul of India’s Quality Control Order (QCO) framework. The number of products covered by QCOs has increased from fewer than 70 products in 2016 to nearly 790 in 2025. This has resulted in growing compliance burdens, supply-chain disruptions, and increased costs especially for MSMEs and sectors that rely on imported raw materials. The Committee recommends a nationwide rationalisation of the regime to focus on areas critical to public safety while easing unnecessary controls on raw materials and intermediate goods.

Key Recommendations

• Synthetic Fibres & Yarns
  • Revoke QCOs on PTA, MEG, PSF, VSF, FDY, POY, IDY, PSY. These are upstream inputs with a low safety risk, and mandatory BIS certification inflates costs and affects export competitiveness.
• Plastics & Polymers
  • Withdraw mandatory BIS certification for PE (LDPE/LLDPE/HDPE), PP, PVC, ABS, EVA, PU, and polycarbonate. Current QCOs restrict access to specialty grades, increase resin prices, and slow supply chains.
• Base Metals
  • Revoke QCOs for upstream metals such as copper, aluminium, tin, lead, nickel powder, and precision/intermediate grades. These are industrial inputs and downstream product standards already ensure quality.
• Steel
  • Retain QCOs for construction-grade and pressure-vessel steels (critical for public safety).
  • Suspend QCOs for engineered/alloy/auto-grade steel, electrical steel, wires, ropes, and other raw/intermediate products.
  • Subject the suspended categories to Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) review due to import dependence.
  • Revoke the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) and abolish No Objection Certificate (NOC) requirements for non-QCO steel to reduce import barriers.
• Footwear & Electronics Components
  • Roll back QCOs on input materials such as engineering copper wires, solder wires, and adhesive tapes. These are not consumer-facing items, and certification limits supplier options and raises costs.
• Upcoming / Proposed QCOs
  • Defer all new QCOs, especially for raw materials, machinery, and capital goods.
  • Require routing through an IMG for risk-based assessment.

Reform Impact

• Reduced Regulatory Burden: Easing unnecessary QCO obligations will simplify compliance for businesses across India, especially MSMEs.
• Greater Supply Chain Efficiency: Flexible access to key raw materials will enable faster production cycles, reduced delays, and reduced dependency on limited suppliers.
• Enhanced Global Competitiveness: Lower costs and fewer import barriers will help Indian manufacturers become more price-competitive in international markets.
• Shift toward Smart, Risk-Based Regulation: The reforms signal a move away from volume-driven regulation toward a more quality- and safety-driven model, focusing resources where public risk is genuinely high.

On 20 November 2025, the Government of India’s Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals) rescinded six previously issued Quality Control Orders (QCOs). This ...

On 20 November 2025, the Government of India’s Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals) rescinded six previously issued Quality Control Orders (QCOs). This decision was made after consulting with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and determining that it was in the public interest. The withdrawals took immediate effect. 

Withdrawn QCOs

Several other QCO withdrawals have occurred in recent weeks. Further details are available here, here and here.

On 12 November 2025, the Government of India, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals) issued a series of orders rescinding fourteen previously notified BIS Qua...

On 12 November 2025, the Government of India, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals) issued a series of orders rescinding fourteen previously notified BIS Quality Control Orders (QCOs) across the chemicals, petrochemicals, and polymer sectors.

These rescissions were made under Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 and took immediate effect, except for actions already taken or omitted before the rescissions were issued.

Key Notifications Rescinded

Implications for Industry

• These substances are no longer subject to mandatory BIS certification requirements under the rescinded QCOs.
• Manufacturers, importers, and traders dealing in these chemicals and polymers may now operate without the compliance requirements imposed by the rescinded QCOs.
• Any compliance actions already taken under earlier orders remain valid for past conduct.

These orders were issued after consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and are based on the opinion that rescinding these QCOs is in the public interest.

On 24 October 2025, the Indian Government officially withdrew the Quality Control Orders for acrylonitrile, maleic anhydride, and styrene, which were issued by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizer...

On 24 October 2025, the Indian Government officially withdrew the Quality Control Orders for acrylonitrile, maleic anhydride, and styrene, which were issued by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. The withdrawal has been carried out under Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016, following due consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards and takes effect immediately.

Details of Withdrawal

In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 (11 of 2016), and in consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards, the Central Government has rescinded the following notifications issued by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers and published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Sub-section (ii):

• S.O. 1646(E), dated 5 April 2022 - Acrylonitrile (Quality Control) Order, 2022
• S.O. 1644(E), dated 5 April 2022 - Maleic Anhydride (Quality Control) Order, 2022
• S.O. 1645(E), dated 5 April 2022 - Styrene (Quality Control) Order, 2022

These orders stand withdrawn with immediate effect.

Conclusion 
By rescinding these 3 Quality Control Orders, the Government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining a balanced regulatory framework that protects public interest while ensuring flexibility and ease of compliance for the chemical and manufacturing industries.

On October 1, 2025, the Indian Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, in accordance with the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, issued an amendment related to the quality control order (QCO) for Et...

On October 1, 2025, the Indian Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, in accordance with the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, issued an amendment related to the quality control order (QCO) for Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymers.

The amendment revises the enforcement date of the original Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymers (Quality Control) Order, 2022.

Revised Implementation Timeline

The new order, titled Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymers (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025, specifies that the QCO will now come into force on October 3, 2026, replacing the earlier enforcement date. The amendment itself took effect on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

This extension aims to provide stakeholders with sufficient time to comply with the updated quality standards and reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring product safety and quality control.

On 22 October 2025, the Government of India, through the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals), issued the Polypropylene (PP) Materials for Moulding and Ex...

On 22 October 2025, the Government of India, through the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals), issued the Polypropylene (PP) Materials for Moulding and Extrusion (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2025.

The original Quality Control Order was first published on 26 February 2024 via S.O. 921(E), and has since undergone multiple amendments:

• S.O. 3594(E) – 23 August 2024
• S.O. 5553(E) – 24 December 2024
• S.O. 2788(E) – 23 June 2025

The latest amendment was issued under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016, with the objective of strengthening product quality further, ensuring consumer safety, and promoting the use of standardized raw materials within the plastics and petrochemical sectors. It forms part of the Government’s ongoing and phased initiative to enhance quality standards and ensure uniformity and reliability in polymer manufacturing.

Major Amendment

The amendment extends the enforcement date of the Polypropylene (PP) Materials for Moulding and Extrusion (Quality Control) Order, 2024, from an earlier scheduled date to 24 April 2026.

This extension gives manufacturers and importers additional time to align with the Order’s requirements, including obtaining BIS certification and ensuring full compliance with applicable Indian Standards.

Implications for Industry

• Manufacturers must obtain BIS certification for PP materials intended for moulding and extrusion before April 2026.
• Non-compliant products will not be permitted for sale, import, or distribution in the Indian market once the Order comes into effect.
• It is advisable for stakeholders to begin or expedite testing and certification processes through BIS-recognized laboratories.

BackgroundOn 15 October 2025, India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued a notification revising the import policy conditions for certain chemicals and pesticides listed under Chapte...

Background

On 15 October 2025, India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued a notification revising the import policy conditions for certain chemicals and pesticides listed under Chapters 29 and 38 of the Indian Trade Classification (Harmonised System) [ITC (HS), 2022 – Schedule I]. The changes were made under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992 and align with the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023.

The amendments update the import requirements for several chemical substances, introducing new permit obligations and clarifying existing rules for specific ITC (HS) codes related to organic chemicals and miscellaneous chemical products.

Key Amendments:

Introduction of Import Permit Requirement

• For certain chemicals and pesticides such as Bifenthrin (ISO), Prallethrin, and other specified insecticides and herbicides, import will now be subject to an Import Permit issued by the Central Insecticide Board & Registration Committee (CIB&RC) under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

Revised Policy Conditions for Select ITC (HS) Codes

• ITC HS 29162020 (Bifenthrin, Prallethrin):
  • Import now subject to Policy Condition No. 07 of the chapter.
• ITC HS 29314930 (Glyphosate, Fosetyl-al, Glufosinate Ammonium, Glyphosate Potassium Salt):
  • Import requires a CIB&RC import permit as per Policy Condition No. 04.
• ITC HS 38089361 (Goods under Supplementary Note 7):
  • Import subject to an import permit from CIB&RC under Ministry of Agriculture as per Policy Condition No. 04.

Special Conditions for Import of Glufosinate and Its Salts

• Import allowed only with a valid Certificate of Registration from CIB&RC and confirmation of non-prohibition under the Insecticides Act, 1968.
• Restricted: For Cost, Insurance and Frieght (CIF) value below ($14.61) per kg.
• Free: For CIF value ($14.61) per kg or above.
• The policy condition will be reviewed after one year from the date of publication of Notification No. 54/2024.

Clarification for Other Chemical and Pesticide Entries

• Multiple other HS codes under Chapters 29 and 38 have been aligned to ensure consistency with the Insecticides Act, 1968 and the CIB&RC regulatory framework.
• Import of registered and non-prohibited formulations remains free, subject to compliance with the above conditions.
• Effective Date: Immediate upon publication in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary)

Key Takeaways for Importers:

• Verify CIB&RC Registration and Import Permit before import.
• Ensure compliance with updated Import Policy Conditions for relevant HS codes.
• Note pricing restrictions for Glufosinate and its salts.
• Review contracts and documentation for conformity with new regulations.

Effect of the Notification:

The import policy conditions for several specific ITC (HS) codes under Chapters 29 and 38 have been amended with immediate effect to ensure regulatory oversight and alignment with domestic agricultural safety laws.