The Central Government of India Withdrew 7 Chemical Quality Control Orders from BIS

The Indian government recently withdrew seven Chemical Quality Control Orders (QCOs) through the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It is an important regulatory step that will help alleviate some of the compliance burden on multiple industries while improving the ease of doing business.

The Central Government revoked petrochemicals (PP, PE, PVC, etc.), some textile inputs (ethylene glycol, polyester yarns), and specific chemicals like acetic acid, methanol, aniline, and acrylonitrile. This can provide flexibility and ease to manufacturers.

According to the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, this removal of the QCOs was a result of a recommendation from a NITI Aayog Committee, which was tasked with rationalising mandatory QCOs and eliminating barriers for industries that are heavily reliant on imported raw materials. This will help to streamline the regulatory process and allow for improved industrial operations.

Government Issues New Update on Withdrawal of Seven Chemical QCOs

The quality control orders (QCOs) for 7 chemical products have been revoked, based on consultation with the BIS, the authority assigned to develop and enforce (as well as maintain) the quality standards in India. This BIS News was published in an official notification from the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers on November 28th, 2025.

Industries now have no obligation to register with BIS for the manufacture, import, or sale of these chemicals since the QCOs have been lifted immediately; hence, they do not need to go through the process imposed by BIS (including laboratory tests, paperwork, physical inspections, etc.) to comply with the QCO's certification requirements.

This action aligns with the Central Government's ongoing efforts to streamline and simplify the regulatory process for the purpose of promoting a more business-friendly environment by removing any unnecessary impediments to compliance with existing regulatory requirements.

Reason Behind the Withdrawal of Chemical QCOs

QCOs (quality control orders), which focused on the regulation of chemicals widely used in the petrochemical and other related industries, were initially issued in 2021; however, the burden placed on these industries became more significant as time went on. Companies encountered a variety of difficulties in managing their businesses as a result of the QCOs, including:

Companies were required to meet the increased compliance burden associated with mandatory BIS certifications, which required more extensive documentation and approval processes for product imports, thereby creating delays and increased operational costs.

Because the majority of the chemicals that were impacted by the QCOs were traded globally, importers were subject to delays in clearing customs at ports of entry due to their mandatory requirement for BIS Certification before they could be cleared.

The operational costs associated with QCOS placed significant financial strain on MSMEs (micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises) that imported low volumes of chemicals due to the high costs associated with testing and certifying those chemicals.

The time associated with waiting for a certification and the lengthy approval processes for all QCOs resulted in raw material shortages, which disrupted production schedules and reduced overall industry output.

The government determined that the QCOs could cause unnecessary friction in supply chains and hinder the ability for uninterrupted industrial activities, and therefore withdrew the QCOs.

Industries Likely to Benefit from the Withdrawal

With the removal of 7 QCOs, this will have a positive impact on many major industries in India, particularly manufacturers that use these chemicals as base materials.

• Petrochemicals - As manufacturers of fibre, polymer and other petrochemical products, the sourcing of raw materials would have been hampered due to lengthy delays in obtaining ISI Mark Certification.
• Plastics/Polymers - Many chemicals are used as feedstocks in producing plastics/polymers, e.g. vinyl chemicals (vinyl, acrylate & monomers). Eliminating the QCO requirements will streamline sourcing processes and enable companies to achieve faster production cycles.
• Coatings/inks/adhesives - Chemicals such as toluene and vinyl acetate monomer are extensively used in the manufacture of paints & adhesives. Easier access to these products will help reduce production costs for coating manufacturers.
• Pharmaceuticals/Chemical Processing - Chemical intermediates are critical elements in drug manufacturing and speciality chemical processing. This update allows companies more flexibility with respect to their procurement.

Official List of the 7 Chemical QCOs Withdrawn

The following Quality Control Orders have been cancelled under Section 16 and Section 25(3) of the BIS Act, 2016:

• Notification S.O. 3929(E), dated 13 September 2021: p-Xylene (Quality Control) Order, 2021
• Notification S.O. 5436(E), dated 24 December 2021: Toluene (Quality Control) Order, 2021:
• Notification S.O. 5406(E), dated 22 December 2021: Methyl Acrylate and Ethyl Acrylate (Quality Control) Order, 2021
• Notification S.O. 5405(E), dated 22 December 2021: Vinyl Acetate Monomer (Quality Control) Order, 2021
• Notification S.O. 3928(E), dated 13 September 2021: Ethylene Dichloride (Quality Control) Order, 2021 
• Notification S.O. 3932(E), dated 13 September 2021: Vinyl Chloride Monomer (Quality Control) Order, 2020

Businesses dealing with these chemicals are now free from mandatory BIS norms.

Impact Of QCO Order on Chemical Manufacturers

The expected outcomes resulting from the removal of these QCOs include:

• Elimination of the need for manufacturers and importers to obtain BIS licenses (which had previously created a heavy administrative burden and delays related to obtaining certification).
• Reduction of delays in the supply chain because raw materials may be shipped and transported without first having to wait for test reports. or mandatory approvals.
• Reduction of compliance costs as the elimination of certification generates the elimination of all associated fees, testing costs, and audit costs.
• Increased Ease of Doing Business as the recent updates support the Government’s Vision to create an environment that is more conducive to manufacturing in India, increasing the competitiveness and productivity of the Indian economy.

Future Outlook for Chemical Quality Regulations

Although the seven QCOs have been withdrawn, the government may introduce revised or new Quality Control Orders in the future, depending on:

• Industry-specific needs
• Safety and environmental considerations
• International trade practices
• Public interest and consumer safety
• Businesses should continue monitoring BIS notifications to ensure readiness for any future changes.

Why This Update Matters?

• The withdrawal of these QCOs represents a strategic step to support India’s industrial growth. By removing barriers that affected manufacturing speed, cost, and raw material availability, the government has created a more efficient operating environment—especially for
• MSMEs and sectors that depend on imported chemicals.
  This decision not only reduces compliance load but also strengthens India’s position in global chemical supply chains.

Conclusion

The Central Government’s decision to withdraw seven Chemical Quality Control Orders marks a major shift in India’s regulatory landscape. The update promises reduced costs, faster supply chains, and improved ease of doing business for companies across the petrochemical, plastics, paints, and pharmaceutical sectors. While future regulations may be introduced as needed, the current withdrawal provides industries with much-needed flexibility and operational relief.