BIS QCO Extension Order for Morpholine, Acetic Acid, Methanol & Aniline

Introduction to the BIS QCO of Chemicals (Morpholine, Acetic Acid, Methanol & Aniline)

The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, which is under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, has made amendments to the already in place Quality Control Orders (QCOs) of Morpholine, Acetic Acid, Methanol, and Aniline. 

Before the amendment, the original QCOs stated that the orders would come into force on the earlier notified dates, making BIS certification mandatory for Morpholine, Acetic Acid, Methanol, and Aniline, with compliance to Indian Standards enforced by BIS under the BIS Act, 2016.

Products that fall under the QCO

The amended Quality Control Orders cover the following chemicals:

• Morpholine
• Acetic Acid
• Methanol
• Aniline

The chemicals are controlled under their respective QCOs and are subject to a compulsory conformity assessment as stipulated by BIS.

Key Provisions of the Chemical Quality Control Orders (Amended)

• All the products mentioned above must be certified under BIS.
• The products are supposed to conform to the latest release of the corresponding Indian Standard.
• A BIS license must be obtained under Scheme I.
• This order does not cover only the goods exported that are manufactured in India.
• The certification and enforcement body will be the BIS.
• The possibility of violating it is punishable by the BIS Act, 2016.

What is the implication of this Notification on Businesses?

These amendments have officially revised the enforcement schedules of the BIS certification of Morpholine, Acetic Acid, Methanol, and Aniline. Manufacturers and importers of these chemicals have to make sure that their products comply with the relevant Indian Standards and have a valid BIS license before placing them on the Indian market.

The companies have now been required to do product testing, factory inspection, and licensing within a limited timeframe and still operate in the legal sphere. It is recommended that buyers and end-users purchase BIS-certified chemical products only.

Impact of this order on the industry

• Enhances the general quality consistency of industrial chemicals.
• Prohibits the distribution of inappropriate and non-conforming chemical products.
• Enhances confidence in the downstream industries that depend on certified inputs.

What is the Date of Implementation?

According to the amended notifications:

• Morpholine (Quality Control) Order, 2020: Effective on 1st August, 2024.
• Acetic Acid ( Quality Control) Order, 2019: Effective 3rd August, 2024.
• Methanol (Quality Control) Order, 2019: coming into force on 3rd August, 2024.
• Aniline (Quality Control) Order, 2019: as of 3rd August, 2024.

Now, What to Do?

All notified chemicals are required to have the BIS certification upon the amended QCOs being enforced. To remain compliant and avoid penalties, businesses should take immediate steps to:

• Submit applications for BIS certification without delay
• Align manufacturing processes and quality controls with Indian Standards
• Maintain proper documentation and readiness for product testing
• Ensure foreign manufacturers hold valid BIS licenses before import

Brand Liaison is a company that offers a full-service BIS certification, such as testing organization, regulatory support, and compliance advisory. Through the wisdom of a support service, companies will be in a position to keep the business running smoothly with compliance achieved within the appropriate time and at the right cost.