News Details

New Delhi, March 30, 2026: The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has issued a notification temporarily suspending mandatory quality compliance requirements for Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB), citing ongoing global supply chain disruptions. 

The order, released by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, amends the Linear Alkyl Benzene (Quality Control) Order, 2022. It states that adherence to the prescribed Indian Standards for LAB will not be mandatory from April 1, 2026, to July 1, 2026. 

According to the notification, the decision was taken in consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) after the government assessed prevailing global conditions affecting the supply of the chemical. LAB is a key raw material used in the production of detergents and cleaning products, making its availability critical for multiple industries. 

The government said the temporary relaxation is aimed at preventing supply chain disruptions and ensuring continued availability of the product in the domestic market. 

The amendment has been issued under the powers granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. Officials clarified that the suspension is a short-term measure and that quality compliance requirements will be reinstated after July 1, 2026. 

Industry stakeholders are expected to benefit from the temporary easing of compliance norms, particularly importers and manufacturers facing raw material shortages. However, experts note that the move may raise concerns about quality assurance during the suspension period.