BIS Update: Enforcement of Mandatory Certification for Chemical Products – April 20, 2023

Apr 20, 2023
  • Author(s) : Sanjay Notani , Naghm Ghei, Kamlesh Mewada, Mitul Kaushal
  • Dear Reader,

    We are writing to you with an important update regarding mandatory registration requirements applicable to imports of Styrene (Vinyl Benzene), Acrylonitrile and Maleic Anhydride into India.

    Background The Government of India has on April 19, 2023 extended the date of enforcement of the existing Quality Control Order for Styrene (Vinyl Benzene), Acrylonitrile and Maleic Anhydride. Producers of this product will now have additional time to obtain BIS certification for their products. The relevant order is available here.
    Products concerned The date of entry into force of the existing Quality Control Order for the following chemical has been extended:

    Product Date of Entry into force
    Styrene (Vinyl Benzene) April 24, 2024
    Acrylonitrile April 24, 2024
    Maleic Anhydride October 24, 2023

     For a master list of all products under mandatory BIS certification, please click here.

    Next Steps As per the notifications, producers of these chemicals will now have additional time to secure BIS certification before these Orders come into force. Once these Orders come into force, both domestic and foreign manufacturers of these products will only be able to export/sell in India with a valid BIS license in place.

    To obtain such license, both foreign producers and domestic manufacturers of these products would need to submit an application to the BIS seeking certification. Furthermore, the process of certification will also require physical testing and inspection of the relevant chemicals at the factory premises as well as parallel testing by a BIS authorised laboratory in India to verify the same. BIS certification is a time-consuming process and therefore it is recommended that interested producers make applications for certification at the earliest in cases wherein Quality Control Orders have been issued and are pending enforcement.

    For any queries or comments on this update, please feel free to contact us at insights@elp-in.com.

    Disclaimer: The information contained in this document is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal opinion or advice. This document is not intended to address the circumstances of any individual or corporate body. Readers should not act on the information provided herein without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the facts and circumstances of a situation. There can be no assurance that the judicial/quasi-judicial authorities may not take a position contrary to the views mentioned herein.