India Regulatory News

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.  

India’s Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) has extended the enforcement date of the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for two polymer products. The notifications were published in the Gaz...

India’s Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) has extended the enforcement date of the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for two polymer products. The notifications were published in the Gazette of India on 23 August 2024 in consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and extend the enforcement dates of the QCOs for Polypropylene (PP) Materials for Moulding and Extrusion and Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Homopolymers. The QCOs were originally published on 26 February 2024 and were due to come into force on 23 August 2024.   

The implementation dates and corresponding standards for the polymer products are as follows:  

The Quality Control Order mandates that the substances concerned to carry the certification mark of the Bureau of Indian Standards, ensuring that the existing rules remain in force until the implementation of the new QCOs.  

In India, the Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has proposed a draft Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Second Amendment Rules, 2024 in a not...

In India, the Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has proposed a draft Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Second Amendment Rules, 2024 in a notification dated August 14, 2024. The proposal mandates that all producers of non-ferrous metals such as aluminium, copper, and zinc must register with the Central Pollution Board (CPCB) and fulfill their Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations.

Consultation Period

The public and stakeholders will have 60 days from the date of publication of the draft rules the Gazette of India to provide feedback. After this period, the Central Government will consider any objections or suggestions before finalizing the notification.

Key Provisions of the Draft Rules

Obligation to Register: The CPCB has made registration mandatory for all manufacturers, producers, collection agents, refurbishers, and recyclers of non-ferrous metals. Annual maintenance charges and registration fees may be charged by the CPCB.

Online Registration portal: The CPCB shall establish a functional online portal for registration, filing of annual returns, EPR Certificate and tracing of materials within six months from the date of implementation of the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Second Amendment Rules, 2024.

The issuance of EPR certificates:  The recycling efforts of the registrants will be acknowledged by the CPCB through the issuance of EPR certificates. The certificates will have a validity of two years from the end of the financial year in which they are issued.

Obligation for refurbishers: Products manufactured from non-ferrous metals can be refurbished. Refurbishers who have registered with the CPCB shall be issued with refurbishing certificates.

Obligations of Bulk Consumers: All entities that use at least one thousand tonnes of non-ferrous metal products shall be considered as bulk consumers. Bulk consumers will have to set up collection points and ensure that the scrap is handed over to the registered entities.

Conclusion

The new rules aim to encourage responsible waste management. Producers are encouraged to take responsibility for the end-of-life of their products. Through this initiative the government expects to reduce industrial waste, promote recycling and create new avenues in the recycling sector.