Polyphosphoric Acid (Quality Control) Order, 2021 - Detailed Information

On 24 December 2021, India introduced the Polyphosphoric Acid Quality Control Order, which requires all Polyphosphoric Acid in India to comply with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) standards (IS 17439). The Government of India, through the Ministry of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, is implementing this order effective from late 2022 to maintain the quality and safety of an essential industrial chemical used in fertilisers, polymers, and other applications. Therefore, the BIS certification process has been made compulsory for Polyphosphoric Acid.

To maintain the same level of quality, safety, and standardisation of chemical products sold within India, the Government of India regularly issues quality control orders (QCOs) under the BIS Act of 2016 to protect consumers. The BIS CRS Registration was implemented due to the importance of polyphosphoric acid in various chemical processes, as well as the need to protect public interests.

What is the Polyphosphoric Acid (Quality Control) Order, 2021?

According to this Quality Control Order, Polyphosphoric Acid must meet an established Indian Standard and the BIS Standard Mark (Bureau of Indian Standards) before being marketed or distributed. The Order protects consumers by guaranteeing that only quality-compliant and standardised Polyphosphoric Acid products enter the marketplace and minimises the potential hazards of substandard or unsafe chemical products.

When Does the Order Come into Effect?

The Order comes into force 181 days from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. This transition period allows manufacturers and suppliers sufficient time to:

• Understand the compliance requirements
• Get their products tested
• Obtain the necessary BIS certification

Mandatory BIS Certification for Polyphosphoric Acid

Below, we have mentioned the important points of the latest BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme QCO on Polyphosphoric Acid and its table:

• Polyphosphoric Acid must comply with Indian Standard IS 17439:2020
• The product must bear the BIS Standard Mark
• Certification must be obtained under Scheme-II of the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018

Is There Any Exemption Under This Order?

Yes. The Order clearly states that goods meant exclusively for export are exempt. Manufacturers producing Polyphosphoric Acid only for export markets do not require BIS certification under this QCO.

Who Is the Certification and Enforcement Authority?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), as established under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, is the single authority responsible for:

• The issuance of BIS licenses
• Monitoring compliance with the products submitted to them under this Order
• Inspection and Audit of Products to ensure compliance with this Order
• Enforcement of the Order

Penalties for Non-Compliance with Polyphosphoric Acid

Manufacturers, distributors, or sellers of Polyphosphoric Acid who violate the requirements of the Polyphosphoric Acid (Quality Control) Order: 2021 are subject to sanctions as outlined within the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act 2016. Depending on how serious and extensive these violations are, the penalties may consist of fines, lawsuits, or confiscation of goods.

Why BIS Certification for Polyphosphoric Acid Is Important

The importance of getting BIS certification for Polyphosphoric Acid:

• Ensures quality and safe products.
• Prevents low-grade chemicals from entering circulation
• Mandatory To Legally access the Indian market
• Builds confidence amongst regulatory agencies and buyers
• Protects the manufacturer from Financial and Legal risk

Conclusion

In accordance with the Polyphosphoric Acid (Quality Control) Order: 2021, all manufacturers and suppliers selling Polyphosphoric Acid in the Indian Market must obtain a CRS Registration under IS-17439 and Division 2 of the BIS scheme for them to continue operating and sell their products without interruption. We suggest that manufacturers start their certification process early enough so that they can avoid any penalties and continue doing business freely and without interruptions.