India adds 8 substances to BIS certification list

On November 15 and 16, 2021, the Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade, India published and submitted eight chemicals’ notifications to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

BIS certification is required by every manufacturer (Indian or foreign) of those who are manufacturing products under Compulsory Certification. Product certification includes two schemes, that is, Product Certification Schemes: Scheme 1 - Indian Standards Institution (ISI) and Scheme 2 - Compulsory registration scheme (CRS). According to the BIS official website, there are 27 chemicals (Scheme I and II) that requires BIS mandatory certification. For the newly notified eight chemicals, all the notifications do not have a proposed date of adoption yet. However, the proposed date of entry into force is in 6 months from adoption. The final date for comment is 60 days from the notification, which is on January 15.

The notified substances are as follows:

1. Coconut Fatty Acids (IS 12069:1987) are produced by the hydrolysis of Coconut Oil. Coconut Fatty Acids consist of about 90% saturated fatty acids. The main fatty acids are Lauric Acid, which constitutes about 50% of total fatty acids obtained from coconut oil. Coconut Fatty Acids are used in the manufacture of Soaps and their derivatives like coco diethanol amide and coco mono ethanolamide.

2. Hydrogenated Rice Bran Fatty Acids (IS 12361:1988) is obtained by splitting, distillation, and hydrogenation of rice bran oil or by hydrogenation of distilled fatty acids obtained by splitting of rice bran oil. Rice Bran Fatty acids are used in the manufacture of soaps.

3. Lauric Acid (IS 10931:1984) is a saturated fatty acid having 12 carbon atoms. It is a raw material for making Lauryl Alcohol, which is used in the detergent industry. It is also used in Alkyd resins, Lauryl peroxides, ethanol amides etc. It is obtained by splitting coconut oils, Palm Kernel Oil etc. 

4. Palm Fatty Acids (IS 12067:1987) are obtained by hydrolysis of Palm Oils. Palm Oils are obtained from the fleshy part of Palm Fruits. Palm Fatty Acids consist of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in equal amounts, Palmitic Acid and Oleic Acids are being the main fatty acids. Palm Fatty Acids are used in the soap industry.

5. Rice Bran Fatty Acids (IS 12068:1987) are produced by the hydrolysis of Rice Bran Oil. Rice Bran Oil is produced by solvent extraction of the layer around the endosperm of rice, known as Rice Bran. It contains 20-25% of saturated and 75-80% of unsaturated fatty acids. The main unsaturated fatty acids are Oleic Acids (40-50%) and Linolenic Acids (28-42%). These fatty acids are used in the manufacture of soaps.

6. Rubberseed Fatty Acids (IS 12124:1987) are produced by hydrolysis of Rubber seed Oil. Rubber seed oil is obtained from seed kernels of Rubber trees. Rubber Seed Fatty Acids contain Linolenic Acis (30-40%), Oleic Acid (17-30%) and Linoleic Acid (22- 24%) and other saturated fatty Acids like Palmitic acid and Stearic Acids.

7. 1,3 Phenylenediamine (IS 17450:2020) is an important dye-intermediate, polymer additive, fibre intermediate and used in photography. Since it is used in dyestuffs required for dyeing of textiles, it is very important to adhere to purity levels indicated in the standard. The excess impurities in the dyes may enter the human chain through textiles, impacting the health. If the technical parameters indicated in the standard are not observed, it shall be detrimental to plant life and environment.

8. Acid Oil (IS 12029:1986) is produced by acidification of soap stock obtained during refining of oils. It is used for producing low grade soaps. The large quantity usage and imports of Fatty acids and possible health impact of low purity.

For non-Indian manufacturers to comply with BIS certification, companies can appoint Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to fulfil their obligations. For chemical compliance under BIS, companies should also conform to the individual Indian standards. Manufacturers of the products listed on Scheme 2 should apply for registration from Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) after getting their product tested from BIS recognized labs. After registration, manufacturers are then allowed to put the Standard Mark on their products.

Contact GPC for BIS related compliance advice, compliance@gpcregulatory.com

Last Update: 2021-12-21