India has withdrawn mandatory BIS certification for six chemicals including vinyl sulphone, K acid, H acid, sodium tripolyphosphate, beta picoline, and pyridine, effective November 20, 2025. This regulatory easing removes prior compliance burdens for importers and traders, potentially lowering costs and simplifying supply chains for these industrial intermediates and additives.
Regulatory change
On November 20, 2025, the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) under India's Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers issued multiple notifications rescinding six previously issued Quality Control Orders (QCOs). The decision was made in public interest and in consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), under Section 16 of the BIS Act, 2016. The withdrawal took immediate effect.
Chemicals affected
The rescinded QCOs cover vinyl sulphone (Notification S.O. 4927(E), Nov 14, 2024), K acid (S.O. 4926(E), Nov 14, 2024), H acid (S.O. 4925(E), Nov 14, 2024), sodium tripolyphosphate (S.O. 1903(E), Jun 16, 2020), beta picoline (S.O. 1892(E), Jun 16, 2020), and pyridine (S.O. 1890(E), Jun 16, 2020). These substances are no longer subject to mandatory BIS certification.
Compliance and logistics signals
Manufacturers, importers, and traders dealing in these chemicals may now operate without the compliance requirements imposed by the rescinded QCOs. Any compliance actions already completed or initiated prior to the withdrawal remain valid for past conduct. For other chemicals still covered by active QCOs, manufacturers must obtain a BIS license and use the standard mark once orders are implemented; these QCOs do not apply to chemicals manufactured exclusively for export.
What buyers should watch
Overseas buyers sourcing vinyl sulphone, K acid, H acid, sodium tripolyphosphate, beta picoline, or pyridine from India can expect reduced regulatory hurdles and potentially faster customs clearance. However, active QCOs for other chemicals remain in force, and violations are subject to legal penalties under the BIS Act, 2016. Importers should verify the current status of any chemical not listed here.
Source: Read the original report | Published: December 04, 2025