Centre Suspends Quality Control Norms for Linear Alkyl Benzene Until December 31, 2026
Reference source : DCPC (The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals)
New Delhi, September 29, 2026: The Central Government has temporarily suspended the applicability of Indian Standards requirements for Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) from April 1 to December 31, 2026, citing global supply chain disruptions and the need to ensure uninterrupted availability of the chemical.
The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, through its Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, issued an order to amend the Linear Alkyl Benzene (Quality Control) Order, 2022, under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016.
According to the notification, the government took the decision in view of prevailing global exigencies and supply chain challenges. In consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards, it concluded that temporarily suspending the quality control requirement was necessary in the public interest to prevent disruptions in the availability of Linear Alkyl Benzene.
The amendment replaces the existing proviso under paragraph 2 of the 2022 order, specifying that compliance with the relevant Indian Standard will not be applicable during the period from April 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026.
The original Linear Alkyl Benzene (Quality Control) Order was notified on April 5, 2022, under Section 16 of the BIS Act, 2016. The order was subsequently amended, most recently on June 25, 2026.
The latest notification, numbered S.O. 5343(E), was issued in New Delhi on September 29, 2026, and signed by Dr. G. Venkatesh, Joint Secretary, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals.
The temporary relaxation is intended to help maintain the supply of Linear Alkyl Benzene amid international supply chain uncertainties. The exemption is scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2026, as specified in the government order.
