India notifies draft Quality Control Order for K-Acid to WTO.

On 26 July 2024, the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) of India has notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a draft Quality Control Order (QCO) for K Acid used in wastewater treatment. The draft was issued in accordance with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and is now open for public comment. The final date for comments is 60 days from the date of notification. 

K Acid: Properties and Uses 

K Acid, with the systematic name 2-Naphthylamine-3:6:8-trisulfonic acid, is a stable, water-soluble compound resulting from ammonolysis and has a sulfonic acid functional group. It is a highly effective diazonium salt precursor that can be used in the manufacture of dyes. It is also used as a catalyst for the removal of chlorides and sulphates from wastewater.  

Regulatory and Certification Requirements 

As per the requirement of the order, K Acid must conform to the Indian Standard (IS 11557:1986) and must bear the standard mark under a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards as per Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. The Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 governs the use of Standard Marks, with the Bureau of Indian Standards as the certifying and enforcing authority.  

The Quality Control Order mandates that covered substances to carry the certification mark of the Bureau of Indian Standards, ensuring that the existing rules remain in force until the new QCOs are implemented.