BIS QCO Amendment 2026 for Linear Alkyl Benzene

Introduction to the BIS QCO for Linear Alkyl Benzene

The Linear Alkyl Benzene (Quality Control) Order, 2022 was issued by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers on 5 April 2022. The Order made it absolutely mandatory for Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) that was being manufactured, imported, sold, or distributed in India to comply with the applicable Indian Standard that have been prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and bear the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid BIS licence.

Linear Alkyl Benzene is an essential raw material that is used in the production of biodegradable detergents as well as cleaning products. The Quality Control Order was introduced in order to ensure product quality, consistency, as well as consumer safety while maintaining uniform standards across the industry.

However, the Ministry has now issued the Linear Alkyl Benzene (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026, introducing a temporary suspension of the BIS compliance requirement in view of ongoing global supply chain disruptions.

Key Changes You Should Know

1. The Amendment temporarily suspends the operation of the Linear Alkyl Benzene (Quality Control) Order, 2022. During this notified suspension period, compliance with the prescribed Indian Standard under the Quality Control Order will not be mandatory.
2. The exemption from mandatory BIS compliance is applicable only for the specified period (1st July 2026-30th September 2026) that is mentioned in the Amendment Order.
3. Once the suspension period ends, the provisions of the Linear Alkyl Benzene (Quality Control) Order, 2022 will again become applicable unless further notified by the Government.
4. Apart from the temporary suspension period, all other provisions of the original Quality Control Order remain unchanged.
5. Manufacturers and importers will still be required to comply with the prescribed BIS certification requirements after the suspension period expires.

The temporary relaxation is intended to help maintain adequate supply while also addressing current market challenges.

What is the Date of Implementation?

This Order is in effect immediately. 

The temporary suspension period for the specified Linear Alkyl Benzene is from 1 July 2026 to 30 September 2026. During this period, conformity with the applicable Indian Standard under the Quality Control Order will not be mandatory.

Benefits of this Order for the Businesses

The Amendment provides temporary relief to businesses operating in the Linear Alkyl Benzene sector by assuring the following benefits:

• Supporting uninterrupted availability of Linear Alkyl Benzene in the market.
• Reducing supply chain disruptions that are mainly caused by global market conditions.
• Providing manufacturers as well as importers with temporary operational flexibility.
• Helping industries that are dependent on Linear Alkyl Benzene maintain production continuity.
• Preventing shortages of an essential raw material that is used in detergent manufacturing.
• Allowing businesses additional time in order to manage sourcing challenges while preparing for future compliance.

Now, What to Do?

Manufacturers, importers, as well as businesses that are dealing with Linear Alkyl Benzene should make effective use of this temporary relaxation while planning for future compliance. Here is what they should do: 

• Review procurement as well as inventory plans for the suspension period.
• Continue monitoring regulatory updates that are being issued by the Ministry and BIS.
• Prepare for mandatory BIS compliance once the temporary suspension expires.
• Keep documentation as well as certification processes ready in order to avoid future compliance delays.
• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure smooth transition back to mandatory certification requirements after 30 September 2026.

At Brand Liaison, we help manufacturers as well as importers stay ahead of changing BIS regulations by providing end-to-end compliance support. Our team assists businesses in interpreting Quality Control Orders, planning certification timelines, coordinating product testing, and preparing regulatory documentation, eventually enabling organizations to maintain business continuity while ensuring long-term compliance with evolving Indian quality standards.