BIS (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024 for Styrene-Butadiene Rubber Latex

Introduction to the BIS QCO for Styrene-Butadiene Rubber Latex

The Styrene-Butadiene Rubber Latex (Quality Control) Order, 2021 was issued by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers on 15th April 2021 under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. The purpose of this order was to make sure that SBR Latex used or sold in India meets required quality as well as safety standards.

Under the original Quality Control Order:

• All Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Latex must comply with IS 11356:2020.
• Products must carry the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid BIS license.
• Goods that are meant exclusively for export purposes are exempt from this Order.
• The order came into force on 12th October 2021, i.e., 180 days after publication in the official gazette. 

Now, through a new amendment issued in September 2024, a specific clarification and exemption has been introduced.

Key changes you should know

1. A new amendment order dated 18th September 2024 has been published.
2. This amendment introduces a clear exemption for a specific grade of SBR Latex
3. As per the amendment:
   1. Carboxylated SBR Latex grade that is used for the manufacture of automotive Lithium-Ion Batteries is excluded from the scope of this QCO.
4. This clarification removes ambiguity for manufacturers who are supplying SBR Latex for advanced battery applications.

What is the date of implementation?

• The amendment order comes into force from the date of its publication.
• Effective date: 18th September 2024

From this date onwards, carboxylated SBR Latex that is used specifically for automotive Lithium-Ion Battery manufacturing is not covered under the QCO.

Now, what to do?

Manufacturers, importers, as well as users of Styrene-Butadiene Rubber Latex should review their product usage carefully in light of this amendment.

Important steps businesses should necessarily take:

• Identify whether the SBR Latex supplied or used is a carboxylated grade.
• Confirm if the end-use is automotive Lithium-Ion Battery manufacturing.
• If covered by the exemption, maintain clear technical as well as commercial documentation in order to justify exclusion.
• For all other SBR Latex grades, continue compliance with IS 11356:2020 and BIS certification requirements.
• Ensure proper segregation between exempt as well as non-exempt products.

For absolute clarity on applicability, exemption validation, BIS certification, as well as for complete documentation support, Brand Liaison assists businesses in ensuring accurate interpretation and smooth compliance under the Styrene-Butadiene Rubber Latex Quality Control framework. Get in touch today for expert assistance and reliable consultancy for a variety of Indian market certifications required for businesses for smooth legal regulatory operations.