India has temporarily suspended the mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for imports of linear alkyl benzene (LAB) for three months, from 1 April to 1 July 2026. The move, announced by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers on 30 March, aims to prevent supply shortages of this key detergent raw material amid global supply chain disruptions. Overseas suppliers and importers should note the eased compliance requirements during this window.
Regulatory suspension details
The Quality Control Order (QCO) for LAB, which made BIS certification compulsory for both domestic production and imports since April 2023, will be suspended from 1 April to 1 July 2026. During this period, importers are exempt from the mandatory certification requirement. The suspension is intended to ensure uninterrupted availability of LAB in the domestic market.
Government rationale
The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers cited global supply chain disruptions as the primary reason for the temporary suspension. In its official notification, the ministry stated: "As global supply conditions remain uncertain, the central government has taken cognizance of the supply chain disruption and is satisfied that, in order to ensure adequate availability of LAB, it is necessary to temporarily suspend the operation of the order."
Supply-chain impact
LAB is a critical intermediate for producing linear alkyl benzene sulphonate (LAS), a widely used surfactant in household and industrial detergents. The suspension is expected to help detergent manufacturers and downstream chemical industries maintain consistent production levels by easing import restrictions. The move highlights the government's effort to balance quality regulations with market availability for essential industrial chemicals.
What buyers should watch
Importers of LAB into India should take advantage of the three-month window from April to July 2026, during which BIS certification is not required. However, buyers should prepare for the reinstatement of the QCO after 1 July 2026, when certification requirements will resume. Monitoring global supply chain conditions and maintaining communication with Indian regulatory authorities is advisable to anticipate any further extensions or changes.
Source: Read the original report | Published: March 30, 2026