The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has issued three separate Orders to immediately rescind the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) previously imposed on Acrylonitrile, Maleic Anhydride, and Styrene (Vinyl Benzene).
The Central Government made the decision, effective October 24, 2025, in exercise of its powers under Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, and after consulting with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The rescission of all three QCOs is deemed necessary in the public interest.
Rescinded Quality Control Orders
The three Quality Control Orders, which required mandatory use of the Standard Mark under the BIS scheme, were all issued on April 5, 2022. Their rescission is effective immediately:
- Acrylonitrile (Quality Control) Order, 2022: (Rescinded vide S.O. 4862(E))
- Maleic Anhydride (Quality Control) Order, 2022: (Rescinded vide S.O. 4863(E))
- Styrene (Vinyl Benzene) (Quality Control) Order, 2022: (Rescinded vide S.O. 4864(E))
The QCOs aimed to enforce quality standards for these industrial chemicals. The withdrawal of the mandates signifies a shift in the regulatory approach concerning the quality compliance framework for these specific petrochemicals.