BIS Quality Control Amendment Order 2025 (QCO) for Vinyl Chloride Monomer

Introduction to the BIS QCO for Vinyl Chloride Monomer

The Vinyl Chloride Monomer (Quality Control) Order, 2021, is a mandatory regulatory framework that is issued by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. It was mainly introduced to ensure that every unit of Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM) entering the Indian market meets stringent safety and quality benchmarks.

The Order is basically centered on the technical specifications that have been laid down by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), specifically:

• Primary Standard: IS 17442:2020
• Mandatory Requirement: Products must bear the Standard Mark (ISI Mark)
• Certification Authority: BIS is the sole authority granting certification licenses to domestic as well as foreign manufacturers.

However, the 2025 Amendment revises the enforcement timeline of the principal order.

Key Changes You Should Know

1. The Central Government, under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, has issued the Vinyl Chloride Monomer (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025.
2. The implementation date has now been amended and extended to the 12th day of September, 2026.
3. Originally, the amendment states that it shall come into force upon publication in the Official Gazette; however, through the recent changes made, the effective enforcement date is now set as 12 September 2026.
4. No other provisions of the 2021 QCO have been modified.

What is the Date of Implementation?

• Original QCO Issued: 2021
• Amendment Notification Issued: 16 September 2025
• Revised Enforcement Date: 12 September 2026

This effectively extends the compliance timeline, giving manufacturers as well as related importers additional time in order to obtain BIS ISI certification under IS 17442:2020 before the Order becomes enforceable.

What Should Businesses Do?

Manufacturers as well as importers of Vinyl Chloride Monomer should:

• Initiate or complete BIS certification under IS 17442:2020.
• Ensure testing of their products is conducted in BIS-recognized laboratories.
• Apply for a BIS licence and secure authorization for using the BIS ISI mark.

If there is any failure to comply after the enforcement date, it may result in a prohibition on manufacture, import, sale, or distribution, along with penalties under the BIS Act, 2016.