MoCF Notification 2025 on Withdrawal of BIS QCOs for Acetic Acid, Methanol, and Aniline

Introduction to the BIS QCOs for Acetic Acid, Methanol, and Aniline

The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals) has issued three separate Orders dated 23 July 2025, officially withdrawing the Quality Control Orders (QCOs), 2019 for:

1. Acetic Acid
2. Methanol
3. Aniline

These withdrawals have been made under Section 16 read with Section 25(3) of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, after consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

The original 2019 QCOs had made BIS certification mandatory for these chemicals. With this latest notification, those requirements have now been revoked.

Key Changes You Should Know

1. The Acetic Acid (Quality Control) Order, 2019, has been withdrawn.
2. The Methanol (Quality Control) Order, 2019, has been withdrawn.
3. The Aniline (Quality Control) Order, 2019, has been withdrawn.
4. Earlier Gazette notifications regarding the specified goods have now been withdrawn.
5. The withdrawal takes effect immediately, effective from 23 July 2025.
6. Mandatory BIS certification under these specific QCOs no longer applies to these specified products.

It is important to understand that no transition period has been provided, and the revocation is effective from the publication date itself.

What Does This Notification Mean for Businesses?

Manufacturers, importers, as well as traders who are dealing in Acetic Acid, Methanol, and Aniline are no longer required to obtain or maintain BIS certification under the withdrawn 2019 QCOs. Here is what it means for the industry: 

• No compulsory BIS licence is now required under the withdrawn orders.
• No mandatory ISI marking requirement is applicable under those QCOs.
• Reduced compliance documentation, as well as testing burden, can benefit the businesses.
• Simplified import procedures helps inr educing delays and last-minute hassles.

However, businesses must ensure compliance with any other applicable safety, environmental, or sector-specific regulations that may still apply.

It is Good News in the Industry!

• The withdrawal is widely seen as a positive regulatory move for the chemical sector.
• It reduces regulatory costs and administrative overhead for manufacturers as well as importers.
• It may improve the ease of doing business and reduce delays in trade.
• It can enhance flexibility in sourcing as well as exporting these chemicals.
• For industries that are relying on these raw materials, such as pharmaceuticals, plastics, dyes, and solvents, this step may help stabilise supply chains and pricing structures.
• Overall, this move signals a regulatory relaxation that is aimed at supporting industrial growth as well as trade efficiency.

Brand Liaison: Reliable Partner for Smooth Compliance

Brand Liaison, as a leading certification as well as compliance consultancy, has supported over 500+ global clients in navigating India’s regulatory framework. We continuously track government notifications, amendments, withdrawals, and new Quality Control Orders in order to ensure businesses remain fully informed and compliant.

Though no further clarifications have been provided, it is important to ensure that businesses keep checking for regular market updates and notifications, and ensure compliance with updated norms in order to be compliant as well as eligible in the Indian market.