India Regulatory News

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has initiated a public consultation on a revised standard for potassium iodide which is used as a reagent in analytical chemistry, photography for precipitating si...

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has initiated a public consultation on a revised standard for potassium iodide which is used as a reagent in analytical chemistry, photography for precipitating silver and for medicinal purposes. Stakeholders are invited to submit comments until 26 March 2025.  

Main changes in the revised standard 

The revised standard outlines the requirements, sampling methods, and tests procedures for potassium iodide, in both pure and analytical reagent forms. Main revisions include: 

• Instrumental test methods are added as alternative test methods for the determination of iron, lead, arsenic, chloride, and sulphate. 

• Requirements are added for potassium iodide, pure and analytical reagent, specifying the essential characteristics and their corresponding limits to ensure compliance with the quality standards. 

Detailed Specifications 

The revised standard specifies the following characteristics for pure and analytical reagent grades of potassium iodide: 

Packaging and Labelling Requirements 

• The material shall be in the form of colourless crystals, granules or powder. 

• The material shall be packaged in bottles or drums as agreed to between the purchaser and the supplier. 

• Each container shall be securely closed and legibly and indelibly marked with the following information:  

a) Name and grade of the material;  

b) Name of the manufacturer and recognized trade-mark, if any;  

c) Net mass of the material; and  

d) Lot or batch number, in code or otherwise. 

• In the case of analytical reagent grade, the maximum limits for the characteristics given in the table shall also be given on the label. 

Conformity Assessment 

The product(s) conforming to the requirements of this standard may be certified under the conformity assessment schemes under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 and the Rules and Regulations framed thereunder, and the products may be marked with the standard mark. 

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

On February 14, 2025, the Indian Chemical Council (ICC) received a formal communication from the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) regarding the examination of 49 chemicals for conside...

On February 14, 2025, the Indian Chemical Council (ICC) received a formal communication from the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) regarding the examination of 49 chemicals for consideration of mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification through issuance of a Quality Control Order (QCO). The notification was sent by Manu Yadav, Section Officer (Chemical -II), DCPC, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

The list of chemicals under examination includes a range of essential industrial and consumer chemicals such as disinfectant fluids, stable bleaching powders, acetaldehyde, sodium bicarbonate, hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, and adhesives for ceramic and stone tiles. The BIS certification aims to ensure quality standards and regulatory compliance for these chemicals in domestic and international markets.

List of 49 Chemicals Under Consideration for QCOs

A complete list of the 49 chemicals, along with their corresponding Indian Standard (IS) numbers, has been shared with the ICC and its members. Some of the key chemicals include:

• IS 1061:2017 – Disinfectant fluids, phenolic type

• IS 1065 (Part 1):2020 – Stable bleaching powder for household and industrial use

• IS 266:1993 – Sulphuric acid

• IS 333:1980 – Potassium permanganate

• IS 646:2020 – Liquid chlorine

• IS 9850:2001 – Methylisobutyl ketone

• IS 4989:2018 – Foam concentrate for fire-fighting applications

• IS 15477:2019 – Adhesives for ceramic, mosaic, and stone tiles

Call for Industry Participation and Data Submission

The ICC has requested all affected members, industry associations, and manufacturers to provide crucial domestic and trade data for the identified chemicals. The data requested includes:

• Domestic Capacity Data for the years 2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25.

• Domestic Production Data for the years 2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25 (till date).

• Domestic Demand Data for the years 2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25 (till date).

• Annual Import/Export Data (Quantity-wise and Country-wise) for the years 2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25 (till date).

• Details of Domestic Manufacturers and their Production Capacity

Deadline for Submission

All industry stakeholders are requested to submit the required data to the ICC at iccmumbai@iccmail.in by February 21, 2025, to facilitate further processing by the government.

Significance of the BIS Certification Initiative

The move to issue QCOs for these chemicals is part of the government’s broader strategy to standardize and regulate the chemical industry in India. Certification will ensure the safety, quality, and reliability of chemical products in line with national and international standards. This step is expected to increase consumer confidence, improve export potential, and promote sustainable industrial practices.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued the draft Indian Standard for Phosphorus Oxychloride, Technical - Specification (Second Revision of IS 11657) for public review and comments. This draft...

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued the draft Indian Standard for Phosphorus Oxychloride, Technical - Specification (Second Revision of IS 11657) for public review and comments. This draft document is open for comments until February 28, 2025. 

Background of IS 11657

The Phosphorus Oxychloride, Technical – Specification standard, first published in 1986 and revised in 2020, aims to ensure that phosphorus oxychloride produced for industrial applications meets specific technical requirements, including the quality and safety parameters essential for its use in industries such as pharmaceuticals, dyestuffs, and pesticides. The draft also incorporates instrumental test methods for the determination of iron and arsenic levels, serving as alternatives to previous methods. 

The second revision of the standard introduces important updates to improve the safety and reliability of the chemical. It includes new test methods, editorial corrections, and an updated reference list. However, the specification does not apply to pharmaceutical or electronic-grade phosphorus oxychloride. 

Key Updates in the Draft Standard

Phosphorus oxychloride (CAS No 10025-87-3) is a critical substance used in the production of phosphoric acid and various esters, and in the manufacture of plasticizers, additives for fuels, and lubricants. The new standards also emphasize handling precautions, noting that phosphorus oxychloride is highly corrosive and reacts violently with water, producing heat and toxic fumes. 

Key Updates

• Incorporation of New Test Methods: Instrumental test methods for arsenic and iron content have been added, offering more accurate alternatives to chemical testing. 

• Revised Quality Standards: The draft lays out clear requirements for the product, including: 

• Boiling range (104-108°C) 

• Relative density at 27°C (1.64-1.67) 

• Minimum assay as POC13 (98%) 

• Maximum allowable arsenic (0.0002%) and iron (0.0005%) 

• Phosphorus trichloride (max 0.3%) 

• Packaging and Labeling Requirements: The draft specifies packaging in polyethylene-lined drums or glass carboys and mandates clear, indelible markings on the containers. Labels must highlight the corrosive nature of the material with appropriate warnings and safety symbols. The label must also contain the caution: "CAUTION – phosphorus oxychloride is highly corrosive. When mixed with water, it decomposes with evolution of heat." 

This draft standard will be instrumental in regulating the use of phosphorus oxychloride and ensuring the safety of industries that rely on this chemical. The Bureau of Indian Standards encourages all stakeholders to submit their feedback and comments by the deadline of February 28, 2025. 

For further details, please refer to the official draft here. 

On February 6, 2025, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) released for public consultation a draft of the revised specifications for Lactic Acid, Food Grade (First Revision of IS 9971). The draft, whi...

On February 6, 2025, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) released for public consultation a draft of the revised specifications for Lactic Acid, Food Grade (First Revision of IS 9971). The draft, which aims to enhance the safety and quality standards of food-grade lactic acid, is open for stakeholder feedback until February 22, 2025. 

Key Changes in the Draft: 

• Updated Marking Requirements: The new draft incorporates changes to packaging and labeling standards to ensure better consumer information and compliance with legal regulations. 

• Removal of Heavy Metals Requirement: The previous standard's requirement for testing heavy metals has been removed, as the limits for lead are now addressed under a separate standard for food colors. 

Lactic acid, a critical food additive, is commonly used in products ranging from beverages, dairy, meat, and egg-based products to pickles and fruit-based products. It is approved under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. 

Specifications Overview: 

• Chemical Name: Lactic Acid (2-hydroxy propionic acid)  

• Molecular Formula: C3H6O3 

• CAS Number: 50-21-5 

• Physical Characteristics: The substance is described as a yellowish to colorless syrupy liquid with an acidic taste and no odor. 

Compliance and Testing: 

Manufacturers are required to ensure that their products conform to detailed purity and identification tests, including tests for sulfated ash, chlorides, volatile fatty acids, cyanide, methanol, and more. 

Additionally, the final value of test results must comply with the prescribed rounding rules to align with the official standards. 

Storage and Packaging: 

Lactic acid should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent degradation. Containers used for packaging must minimize air exposure to ensure the quality of the product and prevent contamination by metals or other impurities. 

Certification: 

Manufacturers of lactic acid products that meet these revised standards may be eligible to apply for BIS certification, allowing them to mark their products with the BIS Standard Mark. 

For more details, the draft specification and testing guidelines can be accessed on the official BIS portal here. All stakeholders are encouraged to submit their feedback by February 22, 2025. 

This revision underscores BIS's commitment to enhancing food safety by ensuring that food-grade lactic acid adheres to the highest standards, thereby protecting public health while supporting industry compliance with international best practice. 

India’s Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) has extended the enforcement date of the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for three chemical products: Toluene, Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Homop...

India’s Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) has extended the enforcement date of the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for three chemical products: Toluene, Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Homopolymers and Polypropylene (PP) materials for moulding and extrusion.  

The notifications were published in the Gazette of India on 23 December 2024 for Toluene and on 24 December 2024 for Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Homopolymers and Polypropylene (PP) Materials for Moulding and Extrusion, in consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).  

Background on QCOs 

The QCOs for Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Homopolymers and Polypropylene (PP) materials were first issued on 26 February 2024 and were originally scheduled to take effect on 8 August 2024. These orders were later amended on 23 August 2024, with the enforcement date scheduled for 24 December 2024.  

The QCO for Toluene was first issued on 24 December 2021 and were originally scheduled to take effect on 22 June 2022. This order has been amended several times, most recently on 19 December 2023, with an enforcement date of 22 December 2024. 

Revised Implementation Dates for the Chemical Products. 

The revised implementation dates and corresponding standards for the products are as follows.  

Compliance Requirements 

The Quality Control Order mandates that the affected materials must carry the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification mark to ensure compliance with the specified standards until the new QCOs are implemented.    

India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has announced a public consultation on the revised standard for sulphuric acid, inviting feedback from stakeholders until February 1, 2025. The existing stan...

India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has announced a public consultation on the revised standard for sulphuric acid, inviting feedback from stakeholders until February 1, 2025. The existing standard, which was first published in 1950 and revised three times, is undergoing a major update to align with international chemical safety specifications. 

Aligning Standard with ISO Specifications 

The revised draft includes references to the International Standards Organisation (ISO) specifications, ISO/910-1977 and ISO/R 915-1968, to ensure global consistency and safety. Sulphuric acid, a highly reactive and widely used industrial chemical, has been categorized into four different grades, each with its own specific use and purity requirements. 

The four grades outlined in the revision are: 

• Technical grade (Tech): A liquid not darker than brown in color. 

• Battery grade: Includes two sub-grades - concentrated and dilute. Both are colorless liquids with strict purity requirements for suspended matter and visible impurities. 

• Chemical Pure (CP) and Analytical Reagent (AR) grades: Clear and colorless liquids, free from suspended matter and impurities. These grades can be supplied in more dilute or concentrated forms, as agreed upon between buyers and suppliers. 

Enhanced Safety and Quality Standards 

The draft standard also introduces maximum permissible limits for heavy metals and chlorides in sulphuric acid, aiming to ensure higher safety and quality standards. The key specifications for each grade are listed in the table below: 

Packaging and Labelling Requirements 

To ensure safety during transport and storage, the draft also specifies the types of containers suitable for each grade of sulphuric acid. These include polyethylene containers, screw-stoppered stoneware bottles, glass carboys, and cans. For CP and AR grades, the containers must be fitted with Teflon washers and stoppered with HDPE or other suitable stoppers. 

Additionally, containers of up to 12 liters must be clearly marked in red letters with important information, including the name and grade of the substance, the manufacturer’s details, net weight, lot number, expiry date, and a prominent warning: “CORROSIVE, HANDLE WITH CARE.” For larger containers, such as drums, the red lettering should be at least 5 cm in height. 

Call for Stakeholder Feedback 

BIS is calling on manufacturers, industry experts and stakeholders to review the draft and provide feedback to ensure the revised standard is consistent with current practices and international norms. The consultation period is open until February 1, 2025. 

The full text of the revised standard for sulphuric acid can be found here. 

The Central Government of India has issued the Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Styrene (ABS) (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024, which amends the Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Styrene (ABS) (Quality Control) O...

The Central Government of India has issued the Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Styrene (ABS) (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024, which amends the Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Styrene (ABS) (Quality Control) Order, 2021. This amendment came effect upon publication in the Official Gazette on 20 November 2024. It introduces a significant change in the regulation of ABS materials.

Exemption for Toco Transducer Materials

The most significant change in the new order is the addition of a provision that exempts ABS Moulding and Extrusion Materials specifically used in the production of toco transducers from the requirements of the initial Quality Control Order. This means that ABS materials intended for use in the manufacture of toco transducers, a device typically used for monitoring fetal well-being, will no longer be subject to the same regulatory controls.

Streamlined Regulations for Specialized Applications

This amendment follows consultations with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and is seen as a step towards streamlining regulations in sectors where certain ABS materials are required for specialized applications.

Implications for Industry

This move is expected to have implications for manufacturers of toco transducers, as they will no longer have to comply with the broader scope of the Quality Control Order, potentially reducing compliance burdens for companies in this specific segment.