BIS Extension Order for Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymers, Acrylonitrile, Styrene (Vinyl Benzene) & Maleic Anhydride

Introduction to the Quality Control Orders for Specified Chemical Products

The Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymers, Acrylonitrile, Styrene (Vinyl Benzene), and Maleic Anhydride were originally issued by the Central Government under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, in order to ensure quality, safety, as well as performance standardization of these critical chemical products in India. Under the respective QCOs, manufacturers as well as importers are required to ensure that the notified chemical substances conform to the applicable Indian Standards and bear the BIS Standard Mark. 

However, these Quality Control Orders have been recently amended by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers through extension notifications.

Key Changes You Need to Know

An update has been issued by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers in the form of the following amendment orders, notified via the Gazette on 18 March 2024:

• Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymers (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024
• Acrylonitrile (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024
• Styrene (Vinyl Benzene) (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024
• Maleic Anhydride (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024

The primary objective of these amendment orders is to extend the enforcement timelines for mandatory BIS certification.
The revised enforcement dates are as follows:

1. Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymers: 3 October 2024
2. Acrylonitrile: 24 October 2024
3. Styrene (Vinyl Benzene): 24 October 2024
4. Maleic Anhydride: 24 October 2024

What is the Date of Implementation?

The new dates of implementation are 3 October 2024 for Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymers and 24 October 2024 for Acrylonitrile, Styrene (Vinyl Benzene), and Maleic Anhydride, as notified under the respective Quality Control Amendment Orders, 2024.

Now, What to Do?

Although the enforcement timelines have been extended, BIS certification will become mandatory for these chemical products once the revised dates come into effect. In order to ensure seamless compliance as well as uninterrupted market access, businesses are advised to:

• Confirm whether their products fall under the scope of the applicable Quality Control Orders.
• Initiate or continue the BIS ISI certification process without delay.
• Coordinate product testing with BIS-recognized laboratories as per the relevant Indian Standards.
• Maintain complete technical, quality, as well as compliance documentation, including valid test reports.
• Closely monitor notifications that have been issued by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers and BIS for any further updates or clarifications.

Brand Liaison provides comprehensive assistance for BIS ISI certification, product testing coordination, documentation, as well as complete regulatory advisory for chemical products. With extensive experience in handling QCO-based compliances, we help businesses achieve smooth, timely, and completely cost-effective BIS certification for Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymers, Acrylonitrile, Styrene (Vinyl Benzene), Maleic Anhydride, and various other regulated chemicals in India.