The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) jointly announced that starting May 13, 2025, Quality Control Orders (QCOs) will be implemented for three key chemicals. These chemicals include H-acid, K-acid, and Vinyl Sulphone.
| Chemical | CAS NO. | Indian Standard | Title of Indian Standard |
| H Acid | 90-20-0 | IS 8637: 2020 | H Acid- Specification |
| K Acid | 118-03-6 | IS 11557: 1986 | Specification for 2-Naphthylamine-3:6:8 Trisulphonic, technical |
| Vinyl Sulphone | 16071-86-6 | IS 18340: 2023 | Vinyl sulphone-Specification |
Once these QCOs are implemented, manufacturers of these chemicals must apply for licenses from the BIS. The products must bear the standard mark under the license. The orders do not apply to chemicals intended for export only. All relevant manufacturers must comply with these new orders. Those who fails to comply with the orders shall be penalized in accordance with the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act (BIS Act), 2016.
https://indianchemicalregulation.com/india-implements-quality-control-orders-for-three-chemicals/
Additionally, the BIS also revised the standards for metallic zinc powder, potassium iodate, and barium chloride to enhance their quality control, packaging, and labeling requirements, while addressing safety concerns related to heavy metals and impurities. The main revisions are as follows:
1. Metallic zinc powder (used in protective coatings, organic reactions, and the production of synthetic dyes.)
New Test Methods: Includes testing for chlorides, iron, lead, and copper.
Grade Classification: The standard defines two grades:
- Grade 1: Used in the manufacture of hydrosulphites and related products.
- Grade 2: For chemical and protective coatings.
Packaging and Labeling: The substance should be packaged in air-tight metal drums or double polyethylene-lined bags. Packaging must include specific information such as the material’s grade, source of manufacture, and batch traceability.
Specifications:
| (% by mass) | Grade 1 | Grade 2 |
| Metallic zinc (minimum) | 94 | 94 |
| Total zinc (minimum) | 98 | 98 |
| Lead (max) | 0.15 | 0.05 |
| Iron (max) | 0.05 | 0.05 |
| Cadmium (max) | 0.05 | 0.02 |
| Chlorides (max) | 0.01 | 0.01 |
| Copper (max) | 0.005 | 0.005 |
| Moisture and other volatile matter (max) | 0.05 | 0.05 |
Consultation deadline: December 9, 2024
2. Potassium iodate (used in the iodization of table salt and in iodometry)
Three grades:
- Analytical Reagent (AR) grade: Strict limits on impurities such as bromate, chlorides and iron.
- Food Grade (FD): Used in food products
- Technical Grade (TECH): More lenient limits suitable for industrial use.
Packaging: The substance must be packaged in airtight bottles or for bulk in steel or fiber drums.
Specifications:
| (% by mass) | AR grade | FD grade | TECH grade |
| Potassium iodate (minimum) | 99.9 | 99.9 | 99.9 |
| Matter insoluble in water (max) | 0.003 | - | - |
| Bromate, chlorides, bromide, chlorate (max) | 0.02 | 0.01 | 0.1 |
| Iodide (max) | 0.001 | 0.002 | 0.005 |
| Nitrogen (max) | 0.002 | - | - |
| Sulphate (max) | 0.01 | - | 0.01 |
| Iron (max) | 0.001 | - | - |
| Lead (max) | 10 | 10 | - |
| Sodium (max) | 0.01 | - | 0.05 |
| Arsenic (max) |
- | 3 | - |
Consultation deadline: December 9, 2024
3. Barium chloride (used in the manufacture of pigments and dyes and the removal of sulphate ions from brine)
Two Grades: The standard proposes two grades—Technical (TECH) and Analytical Reagent (AR).
Packaging: The TECH grade must be packaged in clean jute bags lined with polyethylene, while the AR grade must be packaged in glass bottles.
Heavy Metals Limits: The revision includes limits for heavy metals and impurities such as calcium and strontium salts.
Specifications:
| TECH grade | AR grade | |
| Matter insoluble in water (% by mass, max) | 0.1 | 0.005 |
| Heavy metals as lead (mg/kg, max) | 100 | 3 |
| Calcium and strontium salts (% by mass, max) | - | 0.1 |
| pH of aqueous solution | 5-8 | 5-8 |
| Copper (% by mass, max) | 0.002 | - |
| Potassium (% by mass, max) | - | 0.02 |
Consultation deadline: December 25, 2024
BIS updated the packaging and labeling requirements, which now require clear identification of:
- Name and grade of the material
- Source of manufacture
- Net weight of the material
- Lot or batch number
- Date of manufacture
