Withdrawal of BIS QCO for Lauric, Palm Fatty, Rice Bran Fatty, Hydrogenated Rice Bran Fatty, Coconut Fatty Acids, & Acid Oil

Introduction to the BIS QCO for Specified Acids

The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, through its Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, has introduced a BIS Quality Control Order mandating conformity assessment for a group of industrial fatty acids, namely Lauric Acid, Palm Fatty Acid, Rice Bran Fatty Acid, Hydrogenated Rice Bran Fatty Acid, Coconut Fatty Acid, and Acid Oil. The order aims to ensure uniform quality, safety, as well as regulatory compliance across industries relying on these input chemicals, thereby strengthening domestic manufacturing standards as well as facilitating smoother trade operations.

However, the BIS has recently issued a notification that withdraws 6 chemicals from the mandatory product list. Let us explore what this notification entails and what it means for businesses dealing with listed products in the notification. 

Key Changes You Should Know

1. The notification regarding withdrawal covers 6 chemicals, namely:
   1. Lauric Acid (IS 10931:2023)
   2. Acid Oil (IS 12029: 1986)
   3. Palm Fatty Acids (IS 12067:2023)
   4. Rice Bran Fatty Acids (IS 12068:1987)
   5. Hydrogenated Rice Bran Fatty Acids (IS 12361:2023)
   6. Coconut Fatty Acids (IS 12069: 2023)
2. The regulatory provisions and Quality Control Orders (QCO) issued on 27th April, 2022, regarding these chemicals have now been withdrawn, with immediate effect.
3. Moreover, the standards previously prescribed for the chemicals are now not mandated for use in the Indian market. 

What Does This Notification Mean for Businesses? 

This recent notification regarding the withdrawal order for certain listed chemicals has a certain impact on businesses. Since no mandatory BIS Certification is needed for these products, businesses can smoothly enter and function in the Indian market without facing any hassles, and are also much more relaxed. The legal hurdles have now been eased, and trade across borders has been made more convenient and accessible. 

It's Good News for the Industry! 

The BIS notification regarding withdrawal of the specified 6 chemicals has been good news for the industry due to various reasons: 

• No Mandatory BIS Certification: Companies dealing with these six chemicals are no longer legally required to obtain BIS certification for these products.
• Quality Standards Not Enforced: The Quality Control Orders (QCO) and standards issued in 2022 for these chemicals are no longer mandatory. Businesses can now manufacture, import, or sell these chemicals without strictly following the earlier BIS-prescribed specifications.
• Regulatory Compliance is now Simplified: The withdrawal reduces compliance burdens, inspection requirements, as well as testing obligations, which will eventually lower operational costs for manufacturers and importers.
• Market Flexibility: Businesses now have more flexibility in sourcing and using these chemicals, including importing from international suppliers without having to worry about BIS-specific standards.
• Documentation and Labeling: Any labeling, packaging, or documentation that previously mentioned BIS compliance is now optional. Businesses should update their product information to reflect this change.
• Existing Stock: Products already certified under BIS can still be sold, but there’s no specific obligation to maintain or renew certification for these chemicals.
• Relaxation: A peace of mind has been rendered to businesses dealing with these products, since more relaxation is granted to function in a hassle-free manner in the Indian market.

In short, this withdrawal removes a layer of regulatory compliance, easing business operations while also allowing companies to continue maintaining quality standards in a voluntary manner.

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

The BIS has withdrawn the Quality Control Orders for the specified chemicals recently, which has granted more relaxation to traders in the market. However, the BIS Certification can also be re-imposed at any time in the future by the BIS authorities. Therefore, to help you stay on the safer side, it is advisable to stay compliant with the regulations and be BIS-certified voluntarily:

• To gain trust among your customers.
• To remain worry-free and function in a hassle-free manner, even if the BIS certification gets reimposed. 

It is also important to stay updated with the BIS notifications in order to stay compliant as well as ahead in the competitive Indian economy. Professional guidance from expert BIS consultants, such as Brand Liaison, can ease the regulatory compliance process for businesses. Having served the industry for more than a decade now, we are known to offer cost-effective, proactive, as well as customized compliance solutions to help businesses smoothly function in the Indian market. Get in touch with our professionals and seek expert consultancy to remain ahead and legally compliant with regulatory requirements.