India Regulatory News

India’s Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, has officially launched a major data collection initiative for the chemicals and petrochemicals i...

India’s Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, has officially launched a major data collection initiative for the chemicals and petrochemicals industry. This initiative, announced in the Gazette of India on 19 February 2024, aims to use the ChemIndia Webportal to collect detailed statistics on a variety of metrics including production, capacity, exports, imports, and sales figures. 

Creating a Robust Database for Sectoral Analysis 

The move is part of a broader effort to create a robust, authentic database for the sector, facilitating comprehensive analysis and real-time data compilation from registered entities. This data will play a key role in the monthly and annual compilation of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), contributing to the broader economic analysis conducted by the National Statistical Office. 

Leadership and Compliance 

Shri Ganga Kumar, Deputy Director General of the Statistics and Monitoring Division, has been appointed as the Statistics Officer in charge of this project. He will oversee the collection, verification, and analysis of the industry data and ensure compliance with the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008, and its rules. 

This initiative aims not only to improve policy formulation and industry monitoring but also to support a transparent and data-driven approach to sectoral development. By requiring submissions on both a monthly and annual basis, the Ministry is positioning itself to gain a deeper understanding of sector dynamics, ultimately facilitating informed decision-making at both government and industry levels. 

Key Points of the Initiative: 

- Mandatory Data Submission: All registered chemical and petrochemical industries are required to submit comprehensive data through the ChemIndia Webportal (https://chemindia.chemicals.gov.in/). 

- Comprehensive Data Collection: The initiative covers production, installed capacity, exports, imports, sales, and other relevant data. 

- Monthly and Annual Reports: Data will be collected on a monthly and annual basis to support the compilation of the Index of Industrial Production and the annual publication "Chemical and Petrochemical Statistics at a Glance". 

- Enhanced Policy and Industry Monitoring: The data will help policy makers and researchers to design policies that promote best practices and optimal industrial development. 

This data collection policy is a significant step towards leveraging technology for sectoral development and ensuring that the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers remains at the forefront of informed policy-making and industry support. 

The complete text of the notification can be accessed here. 

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is seeking comments until 6 March 2024 on the first revision of the standard for chlorinated rubber used in the manufacture of protective paints and coatings. The ...

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is seeking comments until 6 March 2024 on the first revision of the standard for chlorinated rubber used in the manufacture of protective paints and coatings. The standard (IS 13467) was first released in 1992.  

Chlorinated rubber 

Chlorinated rubber is an odourless pale-yellow resin formed by adding up to 65% chlorine to elastomers such as natural rubber. It is widely used in paints, varnishes, adhesives, inks, and paper coatings. Known for its ability to form a tough glossy film, it is particularly used in waterproof flooring and swimming pool paints due to its high chemical and moisture resistance. In paint formulations, chlorinated rubber improves weather and water resistance, insulation, non-flammability, chemical and acid resistance, corrosion protection, mould resistance, and adhesion. Suitable for use on a variety of surfaces like metal, wood, concrete, and more, chlorinated rubber base paints provide effective in protection against water vapour high humidity, acid atmospheres, alkaline vapours, and chemical spills. 

Changes to the revised standard 

The first revision of standard IS 13467 outlines the requirements and test methods for chlorinated rubber used in paints and coatings. Moreover, when tested in accordance with IS 101 (Part 8/Sec 5), the BIS has proposed maximum acceptable limits of 90 ppm for lead, compounds of lead, or of both. 

The revised standard includes the following changes:  

1. The U-tube viscometer test method has been replaced by the Brookfield viscometer due to its inefficiency and time consuming. Similarly, the bomb calorimetry method has been replaced by the combustion method due to the outdated methodology of bomb calorimetry.  

2. To address health and safety concerns, restrictions for lead have been tightened and restrictions for toxic heavy metals have been introduced.  

3. An appropriate precautionary note has been added to the marking clause to prevent unforeseen events. 

4. Various editorial corrections, and references have been updated to ensure accuracy and relevance in the revised standards. 

The revised standard proposes that mercury and mercury compounds, cadmium, chromium VI, arsenic, antimony, and their oxides should not be used in the manufacture of the product. The maximum acceptable limit for the above mentioned toxic heavy metals present in the material in the form of natural impurities or impurities resulting from the production process is given as 0.1%. 

Additional requirements for chlorinated rubber for paints are given below (the grade depends on the viscosity): 

Further details of the requirements, marking and sampling, BIS certification marking can be found here: https://www.services.bis.gov.in/tmp/WCCHD34824561_04012024_1.pdf 

On 27 February 2024, the Indian Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) published Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for three petrochemical products in the Gazette of India. At the same time, th...

On 27 February 2024, the Indian Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) published Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for three petrochemical products in the Gazette of India. At the same time, the DCPC published a notification in the Gazette postponing the enforcement date of the QCOs for three other substances.

Quality Control Orders Issued

The issued QCO’s specify that the requirements outlined are applicable to the specified goods or articles listed in the table below, excluding those intended for export. The table gives details of the goods or articles concerned along with the corresponding Indian Standards. These QCOs are scheduled to come into force on 26 August 2024.

The QCOs require that the goods or articles specified in the table must conform to the relevant Indian Standard and bear the Standard Mark, obtained through a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Violation of these provisions may result in penalties in accordance with the Bureau of Indian Standards Act (BIS Act), 2016.

For more details and to access to the QCOs for the three petrochemical products, please refer to the official documents available here.

Extension of enforcement dates

In addition to releasing the QCOs, the DCPC also extended the enforcement date of the QCOs for vinyl acetate monomer, methyl acrylate and ethyl acrylate. Originally set for 29 February 2024, the new enforcement date for the three substances is 31 March 2025.

The Bureau of Indian Standards has recently concluded its consultation on a revised standard for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) used as a food contact material. The consultation, which closed on 16 ...

The Bureau of Indian Standards has recently concluded its consultation on a revised standard for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) used as a food contact material. The consultation, which closed on 16 February 2024, focused on outlining the requirements, sampling methods, and tests for blow moulded PET containers suitable for packaging a variety of solid and semi-solid food items. 

Main changes in the revised standard: 

1. The title of the standard has been changed to reflect the expanded scope.  

2. Recyclability and other requirements for plastics in compliance with the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, as amended, have been included. 

3. The container shall be of any nominal capacity as specified in the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodity) Rules, 2011, as amended by GSR 779(E) of 2 November 2021. 

4. Specific migration limits as per the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulation 2018, as amended, have been incorporated.   

5. Storage stability test has been incorporated.  

6. The marking / labelling clause has been revised to marking / packing clause with labelling requirements in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulation, 2020 and its amendments 

The PET container is subjected to an overall migration test in accordance with the requirements of IS 9845: 

• The choice of simulants and test conditions (time-temperature) depends on the type of food and the conditions of use of food products.  

• The maximum extraction values for the container material shall not exceed 60 mg/kg and 10 mg/dm2. 

For coloured plastic materials, the colour migrated into the simulant shall not be visible to the naked eye (see IS 9833). If the migrated colour is clearly visible, such materials are not suitable, even if the extractive value is within the overall migration limit. The specific migration limits for all toxic substances are listed below: 

Further details of the requirements, methods of sampling and tests can be found here: 

WCPCD5621921_17012024_2.pdf (bis.gov.in)

On January 30, 2024, India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) released the draft End-of-Life Vehicles (Management) Rules, 2024, signalling a commitment to sustainable prac...

On January 30, 2024, India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) released the draft End-of-Life Vehicles (Management) Rules, 2024, signalling a commitment to sustainable practices in the automobile industry. Comments on the draft are invited for 60 days from the date of publication. 

Key Highlights of the Draft: 

1. Extended Producer Responsibility System: 

The draft rules propose the implementation of an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for car manufacturers and other entities from April 2025. This system aims to ensure the responsible and environmentally friendly disposal of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs). 

2. Inclusion of Electric Vehicles: 

Notably, the regulation covers electric vehicles (EVs), including e-rickshaws and e-carts, under its purview. This signifies a comprehensive approach to the management of the life cycle of vehicles, in line with the growing importance of electric mobility. 

3. Registration and Reporting Obligations: 

Producers falling under the definition outlined in the draft, including manufacturers, assemblers, and importers, will be required to register on a dedicated portal within six months of the promulgation of the Rules. They will also be required to submit annual reports detailing vehicles placed on the market, steel usage, and compliance with recycling targets. 

4. Recycling Targets: 

The draft sets ambitious steel recycling targets for private and commercial vehicles, calculated on the basis of steel used in vehicles placed on the market 20 years ago for private vehicles and 12 years ago for commercial vehicles. 

5. Environmental Compensation for Violations: 

In case of violations, the draft introduces environmental compensation as a penalty, with a unique feature. A partial refund may be granted if the violation is addressed within three years of the imposition of the penalty, thus providing an incentive for timely compliance. 

The draft rules represent a milestone in the promotion of sustainable practices within the car industry, in line with global efforts to build a greener future. Stakeholders are encouraged to fully review the draft and prepare for the forthcoming changes. 

A detailed overview of the draft can be accessed here the document.

In January the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) released for public consultation the revised draft Indian Standard for Specification of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Bottles for Packaging of Alcoho...

In January the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) released for public consultation the revised draft Indian Standard for Specification of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Bottles for Packaging of Alcoholic Beverages (First Revision of IS 14537). 

Scope of the Standard 

This standard specifies the conditions, procedures, and test methods for poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) bottles used in the packaging of both distilled and non-distilled alcoholic beverages. Distilled alcoholic beverages include brandy, gin, whiskey, and rum. Non-distilled alcoholic beverages can be carbonated (i.e. beer and sparkling wine) or non-carbonated (i.e. wine). 

Main changes in the revised Standard 

This standard (IS 14537) was first released in 1998. This revision takes into account editorial alignment and compliance with several relevant rules. The main changes in this revision are the following: 

•  The material requirement has been changed.  

•  Recyclability and other requirements for plastics must be in compliance with the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, as amended.  

• Specific migration limits as per Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulation 2018 and its amendments have been incorporated. 

• The marking/labelling clause has been revised to a marking/packing clause with labelling requirements in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulation, 2020 and its amendments and Part 5 (Specific Labelling Requirements for Alcoholic Beverages) of the Food Safety and  Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, 2018. 

Migration test 

Overall migration: When tested in according to  IS 9845, the total migration limit must not be exceeded and must be 60 mg/kg or 10 mg/dm2 with no discernible colour migration. In the case of colored plastics, colour that has migrated into the simulant shall not be visible to the naked eye (see IS 9833). Even if the extraction value is below the overall migration limit, such materials are not suitable if the colour migration is clearly visible.Specific migration: Specific migration is tested to determine the amount of a specific substance that can migrate from a food packaging material or food container into food. Specific migration limits are usually expressed as mg/kg of food. The migration limits for the specified substances in the simulant are given in the table below. 

Timeline 

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is consulting on the revised standard for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, used for packaging alcoholic drinks until 8 February 2024. 

The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) published a notification in the Official Gazette on 30 January, 2024, deferring the implementation of Quality Control Orders (QCO’s) for four ch...

The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) published a notification in the Official Gazette on 30 January, 2024, deferring the implementation of Quality Control Orders (QCO’s) for four chemicals. 

The four chemicals and their previous and new implementation dates are listed below: 

The Orders do not apply to chemicals intended for export only. The chemical products meeting to the requirements of the Orders must bear the standard mark under a license of the Bureau of Indian Standards. Those who fails to comply with the provisions of the order shall be penalized in accordance with the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act (BIS Act), 2016.