QCO Withdrawn: Acrylonitrile, Maleic Anhydride, and Styrene (Vinyl Benzene) Orders Rescinded
The Government of India has withdrawn the following Quality Control Orders (QCOs) issued under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016:
1. Acrylonitrile (Quality Control) Order, 2022
2. Maleic Anhydride (Quality Control) Order, 2022
3. Styrene (Vinyl Benzene) (Quality Control) Order, 2022
This decision was formally published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary), S.O. 4862(E) to 4864(E) dated 24 October 2025.
What This Means
- These products are no longer under mandatory BIS certification.
- The Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for the above chemicals have been rescinded with immediate effect.
- Now, certification for these materials becomes voluntary, not compulsory.
Background
Earlier, the QCOs issued in April 2022 had made it mandatory for manufacturers and importers of these substances to comply with BIS standards before sale or distribution in India. However, after review and consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the government found it appropriate — in public interest — to withdraw these mandatory requirements.
Implications for Industry
- Manufacturers and importers are now relieved from compulsory BIS marking for these chemicals.
- Voluntary BIS certification can still be obtained by those who wish to demonstrate product quality and reliability in the market.
- This move may ease import and trade restrictions and simplify compliance for chemical producers and users.
Official Reference
- S.O. 4862(E) – Acrylonitrile (Quality Control) Order, 2022 – Rescinded
- S.O. 4863(E) – Maleic Anhydride (Quality Control) Order, 2022 – Rescinded
- S.O. 4864(E) – Styrene (Vinyl Benzene) (Quality Control) Order, 2022 – Rescinded
Date of Issue: 24 October 2025
Issued by: Deepak Mishra, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Chemicals & Petrochemicals
In Short
The QCOs for Acrylonitrile, Maleic Anhydride, and Styrene (Vinyl Benzene) have been officially withdrawn. These substances are no longer under mandatory BIS certification — voluntary compliance now applies.
