NEWS
Quality Control Amendments for Ethylene Dichloride, Vinyl Chloride Monomer, and Polycarbonate (2025)
A Comprehensive Overview
In a major regulatory move to enhance chemical safety standards, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals) has issued three important Quality Control Amendment Orders in March 2025. These amendments relate to Ethylene Dichloride (EDC), Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM), and Polycarbonate (PC). The government, under the powers granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, aims to safeguard public interest, improve quality assurance in the chemical sector, and ensure compliance with Indian Standards.
Key Highlights
Issuance of Three Separate Amendments:
– Ethylene Dichloride (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025
– Vinyl Chloride Monomer (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025
– Polycarbonate (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025
Other Highlights:
– Extension of Implementation Date to 12th September, 2025
– Mandatory BIS Certification for compliance with Indian Standards
– BIS to act as the certifying and enforcing authority
– Legal consequences for non-compliance as per the BIS Act, 2016
Products Covered
The amendment orders apply to:
– Ethylene Dichloride (EDC) – used in vinyl chloride monomer production
– Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM) – used in manufacturing PVC products
– Polycarbonate (PC) – an engineering thermoplastic used in electronics, automotive, and construction sectors
Ensuring quality control in these products is crucial for public safety and industrial efficiency.
Exemptions Provided
While the amendments primarily revise the timeline, general exemptions include:
– Products manufactured solely for export purposes are exempted
– Special permissions for products used exclusively for research and development, under strict conditions
Manufacturers should consult BIS regulations for detailed exemption criteria.
Timeline for Implementation
The revised effective date for compliance under the amendment orders is 12th September, 2025. This provides manufacturers and importers sufficient time to align their operations with the new standards.
Next Steps for Manufacturers & Importers
– Begin the BIS certification process immediately
– Ensure all products meet the updated Indian Standards
– Maintain documentation related to certification and compliance activities
– Coordinate with BIS regularly for updates and clarifications
– Adjust manufacturing and supply chain operations as per the revised timeline
– Train internal teams on the new requirements to ensure full compliance
Conclusion
The 2025 amendments reflect India’s strengthened commitment to ensuring quality, safety, and compliance in the chemical sector. Manufacturers and importers must treat this extension as an opportunity to upgrade processes, improve product credibility, and achieve greater success in both domestic and international markets.