On December 19, 2023, the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers in India published the amended Toluene Quality Control Order (QCO). In the Gazette of India, the Ministry announced the latest amendment to the Toluene (Quality Control) Order, officially named the Toluene (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2023, S.O. 5373(E). The Principal Order for Toluene was published in the Gazette of India on 24 December 2021, and the Order was subsequently amended four times, namely S.O. 2727(E), dated June 13, 2022, S.O. 5990(E), dated December 21, 2022 and S.O. 2730(E), dated June 20, 2023. The new amendment will become effective on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette and will come into force on 22 December 2024. All toluene manufacturers and distributors must comply with the Toluene QCO S.O. 5373(E).
After consulting with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the Central Government of India published this amendment which emphasizes its commitment to public interests and safety standards, hereby to ensure toluene products meet the Toluene QCO.
This amendment reflects that the Indian government is making efforts to protect consumer interests and environment safety. The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers in India also expects to enhance the overall products qualities and ensure its product competitiveness in the international trade.
