India Regulatory News

India’s Ministry of Mines is seeking comments on the draft Quality Control Order (QCO) for four metals. The draft was notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on 12 September 2024 in accordanc...

India’s Ministry of Mines is seeking comments on the draft Quality Control Order (QCO) for four metals. The draft was notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on 12 September 2024 in accordance with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The final date for the comments is 60 days from the date of notification i.e. 11 November 2024.  

In addition to the WTO consultation, the Ministry of Mines invites comments from all industry users, industry bodies and relevant stakeholders on the draft QCOs within a period of 60 days from the date of notification on the Ministry's website (28 August 2024). Only comments and suggestions received within the specified timeframe will be considered by the Ministry of Mines. Information on how to submit comments can be found here. 

The chemicals and the corresponding standards are as follows: 

The Quality Control Order mandates both domestic and foreign manufacturers to adhere to the relevant Indian Standards i.e., IS 209:2024, IS 2782:2023, IS 27:2023 and IS 26: 2024 and the concerned substances to carry the certification mark of the Bureau of Indian Standards, thus ensuring that the existing rules remain in force until the new QCOs are implemented. 

On 26 September 2024, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) published the Ecomark Rules, 2024 in the Official Gazette, replacing the Ecomark Scheme of 1991. This update is in...

On 26 September 2024, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) published the Ecomark Rules, 2024 in the Official Gazette, replacing the Ecomark Scheme of 1991. This update is in line with the ‘LiFE’ (Lifestyle for Environment) mission, which aims to increase demand for eco-friendly products and promote sustainable living. The new rules came into force on the day of their publication.

Objectives of the Ecomark Scheme

The new scheme aims to encourage lower energy consumption, resource efficiency, and the promotion of a circular economy. The scheme seeks to prevent inaccurate labelling, misleading claims and to raise awareness about the products concerned.

Accreditation and Environmental Standards

Products accredited under the Ecomark Scheme will adhere to strict environmental standards, ensuring they have a low impact on environment. This initiative will not only build consumer awareness of environmental issues and encourage sustainable consumption, but will also motivate manufacturers to adopt greener production practices.

Implementation and Global Impact

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will implement the scheme in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This initiative is an important step taken by the government to reduce of carbon footprint and promote environmentally conscious consumption in India. This move is in line with global sustainability goals and underlines the governments’ dedication to environmental management.

The full text of the notification with full details on conditions and procedures can be found here.

On 1 October 2024, the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) issued a notification amending the Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymers (Quality Control) Order, 2022. This latest update, entitle...

On 1 October 2024, the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) issued a notification amending the Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymers (Quality Control) Order, 2022. This latest update, entitled the Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymers (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2024, introduces a new implementation date for the Order.

New Implementation Date Set for 2025

The amendment extends the implementation date to 3 October 2025. The original Order, published on 5 April 2022, has been updated several times, underlining the Government’s commitment to maintaining rigorous quality standards for Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymers.

This amendment is effective immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette.

On September 23, 2024, the Department of Chemical and Petrochemicals (DCPC) issued notifications under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, amending the p-Xylene (Quality Control) Order, 2021, a...

On September 23, 2024, the Department of Chemical and Petrochemicals (DCPC) issued notifications under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, amending the p-Xylene (Quality Control) Order, 2021, and the Polyurethanes (Quality Control) Order, 2021. These amendments, officially titled the p-Xylene (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2024, and the Polyurethanes (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2024, were announced and came into effect upon their publication in the Official Gazette.

According to the notification, the new implementation date for the two chemicals has been changed to March 19, 2025.

The Principal Orders, originally published on September 13, 2021, for p-Xylene and October 10, 2021, for Polyurethanes, have undergone several amendments, with the latest changes reflecting the Government’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards of quality control for these substances.

On September 17, 2024, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers issued a notification regarding the Polycarbonate (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024, under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 20...

On September 17, 2024, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers issued a notification regarding the Polycarbonate (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024, under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This decision comes after consultations with the Bureau, emphasizing the government's commitment to public interest and safety.

Key Changes in the Amendment

The order, officially titled the Polycarbonate (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2024, will take effect on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. A significant change in this amendment is the revision of the commencement date in the original Polycarbonate (Quality Control) Order, 2021. The updated provision now states that the Order will come into force on March 12, 2025.

This amendment aims to strengthen the quality control measures for polycarbonate products and ensure that industry standards are maintained for the benefit of consumers and stakeholders alike.

Previous Amendments and Publication

The principal Order was published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Sub-section (ii), vide notification number S.O. 3930(E), dated September 13, 2021, and was subsequently amended via notification numbers S.O. 1071(E), dated March 10, 2022; S.O. 4138(E), dated September 2, 2022; S.O. 1122(E), dated March 9, 2023; and S.O. 1109(E), dated March 6, 2024.

On September 13, 2024, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers issued two important notifications amending the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) related to cement packaging. These amendments are aimed a...

On September 13, 2024, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers issued two important notifications amending the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) related to cement packaging. These amendments are aimed at ensuring safety and quality standards of packaging materials in the industry.

1. Amendment to the HDPE/PP Woven Sacks Order

The Textiles - High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)/Polypropylene (PP) Woven Sacks for Packaging of 50 kg Cement (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2024 (S.O. 3938(E)) has been enacted under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

• Short Title and Commencement:

  • This Order may be cited as the Textiles - HDPE/PP Woven Sacks for Packaging of 50 kg Cement (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2024.

  • It will come into force on the date of publication in the Official Gazette.

• Key Change:
  The commencement date in the original Order has been revised to commence on December 6, 2024.

Note: The Principal Order was published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Sub-section (ii), as S.O. 5178(E) on December 6, 2023, and subsequently amended by S.O. 2181(E) on June 4, 2024.

2. Amendment to the PP Woven, Laminated Sacks Order

The Textiles - Polypropylene (PP) Woven, Laminated, Block Bottom Valve Sacks for Packaging of 50 kg Cement (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2024 (S.O. 3939(E)) has also been introduced.

• Short Title and Commencement:

  • This Order may be cited as the Textiles - Polypropylene (PP) Woven, Laminated, Block Bottom Valve Sacks for Packaging of 50 kg Cement (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2024.

  • It will take effect upon publication in the Official Gazette.

• Key Change:
  Similar to the HDPE/PP sacks, the commencement date in the original order has been revised to take effect on December 6, 2024.

Note: The principal order was published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Sub-section (ii), as S.O. 5179(E) on December 6, 2023, and subsequently amended by S.O. 2182(E) on June 4, 2024.

These amendments reflect the government's commitment to maintaining high standards in cement packaging and ensuring the protection of public interest. Stakeholders are encouraged to consult the official publications for further details.

India’s Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals (DCPC) has announced an extension of the enforcement dates for Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride monomer. The ...

India’s Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals (DCPC) has announced an extension of the enforcement dates for Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride monomer. The revised notifications were officially published in the Gazette of India on September 13, 2024.

New Enforcement Date

Initially scheduled to take effect on September 12, 2024, the QCOs will now be enforced from March 12, 2025. This decision is part of the government's ongoing efforts to enhance quality standards in the chemical industry and ensure safer and more efficient practices in the production of these critical substances.

The QCOs are designed to establish stringent quality benchmarks for ethylene dichloride (CAS no 107-06-2) and vinyl chloride monomer (CAS no 75-01-4), both of which are essential in various industrial applications, including the manufacture of plastics and solvents. The extension aims to provide manufacturers additional time to comply with the new regulations and ensure that the industry adapts smoothly to the updated standards.

BIS Certification Marking  

The product(s) that conform to the requirements of this standard may be certified under the conformity assessment scheme established under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 and the rules and regulations made thereunder and the products may be marked with the Standard Mark. 

The Quality Control Order mandates that until the implementation of the new QCOs, the substances concerned must carry the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification mark to ensure compliance with the specified standards.