Government Withdraws Quality Control Orders for Six Chemicals – BIS Certification No Longer Mandatory
Government Withdraws Quality Control Orders for Six Chemicals – BIS Certification No Longer Mandatory
In a major regulatory update, the Central Government has officially withdrawn the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for six chemicals, as per a Gazette of India (Extraordinary) notification dated 22nd October 2025. This decision means that BIS certification is no longer mandatory for the manufacture, import, distribution, or sale of these chemicals in India.
List of Withdrawn QCOs
The following QCOs have been rescinded with immediate effect, as notified under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016:
Lauric Acid (Quality Control) Order, 2022 – S.O. 1961(E), dated 27th April 2022
Acid Oil (Quality Control) Order, 2022 – S.O. 1962(E), dated 27th April 2022
Palm Fatty Acids (Quality Control) Order, 2022 – S.O. 1963(E), dated 27th April 2022
Rice Bran Fatty Acids (Quality Control) Order, 2022 – S.O. 1964(E), dated 27th April 2022
Coconut Fatty Acids (Quality Control) Order, 2022 – S.O. 1965(E), dated 27th April 2022
Hydrogenated Rice Bran Fatty Acids (Quality Control) Order, 2022 – S.O. 1967(E), dated 27th April 2022
These withdrawals have been made under Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 (11 of 2016), following consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and in consideration of public interest.
Impact on Manufacturers and Importers
With these QCOs withdrawn, manufacturers, importers, and traders dealing in the above-mentioned chemicals are no longer required to obtain BIS certification or comply with mandatory Indian Standards.
However, companies may still opt for voluntary BIS certification to ensure continued market trust, demonstrate product quality, and maintain a competitive advantage in both domestic and international markets.
Official Notification Details
The withdrawal orders have been published in the Gazette of India under:
📜 S.O. 4780(E) to S.O. 4785(E) dated 22nd October 2025.
Conclusion
This policy change offers regulatory relaxation for industries involved in the production and trade of the six withdrawn chemicals. Stakeholders are encouraged to review their compliance frameworks, update relevant documentation, and adjust certification strategies in accordance with the revised BIS requirements.