India consults on revised standards for paint and varnish ingredients

India has launched a consultation to update standards for titanium (rutile grade) and barium sulphate pigments, both of which are used in paints and varnishes. The draft amended standards, which were published on April 27 by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), establish comment dates of:

• Barium sulphate is due on June 30th, and
• Titanium (rutile grade) is due on July 5th.

Both chemicals should have no more than 90ppm lead or lead compounds, according to the draft. Also, separately or in combination, limiting the following substances in them to a maximum of 0.1 percent by weight:

• mercury,
• mercury compounds,
• cadmium,
• arsenic,
• chromium VI,
• antimony, and
• their oxides

For barytes (naturally occurring barium sulphate) and blanc fixe pigments, the draft offers requirements as well as sampling and testing techniques (the precipitated barium sulphate). The substance is designed to be used as a paint extender. The substance, according to the draft, is:

• Type 1 (naturally occurring) or
• Type 2 (precipitated form) classification; and
• Lead or lead compound content, which was determined using the relevant Indian standard.

The titanium dioxide (rutile grade) draft establishes sampling and testing standards for rutile titanium dioxide, which is used as a pigment in the paint industry. It also suggests that:

• graded content is categorised as R1, R2, or R3; and
• in the form of a powder

Both drafts recommend that packaging be marked or labelled with the following information:

• The substance's name, maker, and trademark, if applicable,
• The month and year of manufacture; the substance's net mass,
• The batch and lot number,
• The maximum lead content,
• The toxic heavy metals content, and
• Any cautionary notes.

If the draft is approved, BIS will certify products that meet their requirements and place a conformity mark on the packaging.