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The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has issued separate notifications temporarily suspending the operation of the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for two key petrochemical products, linear alkyl benzene (LAB) and n-butyl acrylate (n-BA), citing ongoing global supply chain disruptions and the need to ensure uninterrupted domestic availability. 

These latest decisions, issued by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016, are intended to ease supply constraints while maintaining adequate availability of critical industrial raw materials. 

Temporary Suspension for Linear Alkyl Benzene 

In a notification dated June 25, 2026, the government amended the Linear Alkyl Benzene (Quality Control) Order, 2022, providing for a temporary suspension of the order's operation from July 1 to September 30, 2026. The Ministry stated that this decision was taken following consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), given the current global situation affecting supply chains. 

n-Butyl Acrylate Suspension Extended 

In a separate notification dated July 9, 2026, the government also extended the temporary suspension of the n-Butyl Acrylate (Quality Control) Order, 2021. The earlier suspension period, which was due to end on July 10, 2026, has now been extended to July 31, 2026. The Ministry noted that continued supply chain challenges necessitated the extension to ensure the domestic market had and adequate supply of n-Butyl Acrylate. 

Suspensions Introduced in the Public Interest 

Both notifications were issued under the powers conferred by Section 16, read with Section 25(3), of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. The government emphasized that these temporary relaxations have been introduced in the public interest following consultations with BIS. 

Linear alkyl benzene is a key feedstock used in the manufacture of detergents and cleaning products, while n-butyl acrylate is widely used in the production of paints, coatings, adhesives, textiles, plastics and other industrial applications. Industry stakeholders are expected to benefit from the temporary regulatory relief as global logistics and raw material supplies continue to face disruptions. 

The Ministry has indicated that these suspensions are temporary measures intended to balance quality regulations with the immediate need to maintain uninterrupted industrial supplies. Normal enforcement of the respective Quality Control Orders is expected to resume after the notified suspension periods unless further amendments are issued.