Withdrawal of BIS QCO for Acrylonitrile, Maleic Anhydride & Styrene

Introduction to the BIS QCO for Acrylonitrile, Maleic Anhydride, and Styrene (Vinyl Benzene)

The BIS Quality Control Order (QCO) for Acrylonitrile, Maleic Anhydride, and Styrene (Vinyl Benzene) has been introduced in order to regulate the quality as well as absolute safety of these key industrial chemicals that serve as essential feedstocks for manufacturing plastics, resins, synthetic rubber, coatings, adhesives, and various engineering materials. By mandating conformity to specified Indian Standards, the QCO aimed to mitigate risks associated with sub-standard raw materials, protect end-user industries, and ensure safer and more reliable supply chains within the country.

However, recently, the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has withdrawn the BIS Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for Acrylonitrile, Maleic Anhydride, and Styrene (Vinyl Benzene) through Gazette Notifications dated 24th October 2025. The withdrawals were made under Section 16 of the BIS Act, 2016, after due consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), and have come into immediate effect. 

Key Changes You Should Know

The recent BIS withdrawal notification covers the following three chemicals:

1. Acrylonitrile: IS 12540:2023
2. Maleic Anhydride: IS 5142:2023
3. Styrene (Vinyl Benzene): IS 4105:2023 

The Quality Control Orders (QCOs) issued in 2022 for the above-mentioned chemicals have now been withdrawn with immediate effect. Consequently, the previously prescribed standards under BIS are no longer mandatory for these materials.

What Does This Notification Mean for Businesses?

This withdrawal notification signifies that the mandatory requirement of BIS Certification for these chemicals has been revoked.

Manufacturers, importers, and traders can now produce, market, distribute, or import these chemicals in India without the need for BIS registration or a license. The step aims to promote ease of doing business, reduce compliance burdens, and facilitate smoother trade.

It’s Good News for the Industry!

The withdrawal of BIS QCOs for Acrylonitrile, Maleic Anhydride, and Styrene brings positive relief to the industry for several reasons:

• No Mandatory BIS Certification:
  Businesses dealing with these chemicals are no longer legally bound to obtain BIS certification.
• Quality Standards Not Enforced:
  The standards previously notified by BIS in 2022 are no longer compulsory.
• Simplified Regulatory Compliance:
  The withdrawal reduces the need for testing, factory inspections, and renewals, lowering operational costs for companies.
• Ease in Import and Trade:
  Importers can now source these chemicals from global suppliers without worrying about BIS-specific requirements.
• Flexible Market Operations:
  Businesses gain flexibility in production and procurement while continuing to maintain voluntary quality checks.
• Existing Certified Stock:
  Products already bearing BIS marks can continue to be sold, but no renewal or maintenance of certification is now required.
• Reduced Legal Hassles:
  This move provides greater peace of mind to market players and simplifies regulatory frameworks for the chemical sector.

This withdrawal notification removes a significant regulatory layer, encouraging business-friendly trade while still allowing voluntary quality compliance.

Brand Liaison: Reliable BIS Consultant to Help You Stay Compliant for Future Prospects

While the withdrawal provides temporary relief, the BIS Certification can be reimposed at any time, depending on policy reviews or safety concerns. To ensure uninterrupted business operations, it is advisable for companies to stay voluntarily compliant with BIS standards. It will help you to:

• Gain consumer trust
• Function smoothly in the Indian market (Even if the Order is reimposed)

Brand Liaison, a leading compliance consultancy, offers expert assistance to manufacturers and importers for all BIS, WPC, EPR, and QCO requirements. With over a decade of industry experience, we provide expert end-to-end guidance, cost-effective and proactive solutions, constant monitoring of BIS notifications and regulatory updates

Stay informed and compliant with Brand Liaison, your trusted partner in BIS Certification and regulatory compliance.