In a major regulatory update, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has announced the withdrawal of four Quality Control Orders (QCOs) relating to important industrial chemicals. The orders were rescinded under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016, following consultations with the Bureau of Indian Standards and justified on grounds of public interest.
These chemicals play vital roles in India’s manufacturing ecosystem, especially in sectors such as polymers, petrochemicals, adhesives, coatings, and packaging.
Summary Table of Withdrawn Quality Control Orders
| Sl. No. | Chemical / Product | Order No. & Date (2025) | Original Notification Withdrawn | Original Notification Date | Notes / Industry Use |
| 1 | p-Xylene | S.O. 5527(E), 28 Nov 2025 | S.O. 3929(E) | 13 Sep 2021 | Key raw material for polyester, plastics |
| 2 | Methyl Acrylate & Ethyl Acrylate | S.O. 5529(E), 28 Nov 2025 | S.O. 5406(E) | 22 Dec 2021 | Used in adhesives, coatings, polymers |
| 3 | Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM) | S.O. 5530(E), 28 Nov 2025 | S.O. 5405(E) | 22 Dec 2021 | Essential for paints, films, adhesives |
| 4 | Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM) | S.O. 5532(E), 28 Nov 2025 | S.O. 3932(E) | 13 Sep 2021 | Crucial for PVC and plastic manufacturing |
Detailed Breakdown of the Withdrawn Orders
1. p-Xylene (Quality Control) Order, 2021
The government rescinded the p-Xylene QCO through S.O. 5527(E), withdrawing the earlier 2021 notification with immediate effect.
Importance: p-Xylene is a major feedstock for polyester fibre, packaging materials, and plastics.
2. Methyl Acrylate & Ethyl Acrylate (Quality Control) Order, 2021
Through S.O. 5529(E), the QCO covering these acrylates was retracted.
Importance: These chemicals are widely used in adhesives, coatings, resins, and polymer manufacturing.
3. Vinyl Acetate Monomer (Quality Control) Order, 2021
The government issued S.O. 5530(E) to revoke the earlier QCO on Vinyl Acetate Monomer.
Importance: VAM is essential in producing emulsions, paints, textile finishes, and packaging films.
4. Vinyl Chloride Monomer (Quality Control) Order, 2020
The Vinyl Chloride Monomer QCO was withdrawn through S.O. 5532(E).
Importance: VCM is a key precursor in PVC production, used across construction, pipes, cables, and consumer goods.
Key Highlights of the Decision
- Withdrawals were made under Section 16 and Section 25(3) of the BIS Act, 2016.
- Public interest was cited as the primary reason for rescinding the orders.
- Decisions were taken after consultation with BIS.
- Could potentially reduce compliance burdens on manufacturers and importers.
- May ease supply chains for polymers, coatings, textiles, and plastic industries.
- Raises questions about standardization, though industry may welcome regulatory relief.