The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, through its Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, issued the Potassium Carbonate (Quality Control) Order, 2020 on June 16, 2020. The Order has been formulated under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, to regulate the quality and standardization of Potassium Carbonate in the public interest. 

Key Provisions of the Potassium Carbonate (Quality Control) Order, 2020

1. Title, Application, and Effective Date

• This Order is officially titled the Potassium Carbonate (Quality Control) Order, 2020.
• The order was originally set to be enforced 181 days following its publication in the Official Gazette.
• However, due to amendments, the enforcement date is now extended to March 13, 2024.
• The Order applies to all goods or articles of Potassium Carbonate, except those specifically intended for export. 

2. Conformity to Standards and Compulsory Use of Standard Mark

• All Potassium Carbonate products must conform to Indian Standard IS 7129:1992.
• These products must bear the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid license issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), in accordance with Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
• The requirement to use the Standard Mark does not apply to goods meant solely for export, provided they meet the specifications required by the foreign buyer. 

3. Certification and Enforcement Authority

• The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is designated as the certifying and enforcing authority for Potassium Carbonate products under this Order, ensuring compliance with the specified standards. 

4. Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Any individual or entity that violates the provisions of this Order will face penalties as outlined in the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, to enforce compliance with quality standards. 

This regulatory measure is aimed at ensuring that Potassium Carbonate products available in the domestic market adhere to established safety and quality standards, while allowing flexibility for goods intended for international trade.

BIS Certification for Potassium Carbonate, Anhydrous IS 7129: 1992