India publishes QCO for 1 3 phenylenediamine

On the 27^th of April 2022, India published a Quality Control Order (QCO) for a national standard encompassing the intermediate 1, 3 phenylenediamine. Manufacturers and importers of the substance must guarantee that it meets the standards given in Indian Standard (IS) 17450:2020 as of October 25. The QCO was published in the country's Official Gazette by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC).

The compound is primarily employed as an intermediary in the production of dyes, notably permanent hair dyes, and as a polymer additive. Depending on the amount of exposure, it might induce skin sensitivities, disorientation, liver and kidney damage.

Manufacturers, traders, and importers will be required to comply with the standards set out in the applicable standard by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

This includes limiting the usage of certain 1, 3 phenylenediamine compounds, such as:

• Maximum use of arsenic is 2ppm, and
• Mercury is 1ppm.

The standard also limits the amount of mercury in 1, 3 phenylenediamine used in permanent black hair colours to no more than 4% by mass, and no more than 3% by mass in brown and other coloured hair dyes. The BIS Act of 2016 will penalise anyone who violate the QCO's provisions.