India Withdraws Quality Control Orders for Acetic Acid, Methanol, and Aniline

In an important policy move, the Government of India has withdrawn the Quality Control Order (QCOS) for three major industrial chemicals, sectic acid, methanol and aniline. These chemicals are widely used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, plastic, paint, adhesive and agriculture. Return is a symbol of change in regulator focus, aiming to balance industrial development with compliance needs.

This blog explains what this decision means, why it was taken, and how it affects manufacturers, importers and cooperative industries.

What Are Quality Control Orders (QCOs)?

The Quality Control Order (QCO) is the instructions issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the Indian Standards Act, 2016. They give a mandate that specific products should be in line with Indian standards and ISI Mark should be sold in India.

For chemicals such as acetic acid, methanol and aniline, QCOS was introduced:

• Ensure product quality and safety.
• Prevent inferior imports.
• Encourage domestic standardization.

Read More: What Is QCO In BIS?

Why Has India Withdrawn These QCOs?

The decision to return was influenced by many factors:

• Industry response: Manufacturers and trade associations expressed concern that compulsory BIS certification was causing hurdles, especially for important raw materials for many industries.
• Supply chain disruption: Importers reported difficulties in sourcing of BIS-certain chemicals globally, which led to lack and cost.

• Ease of doing business: The government is focusing on reducing regulator burden that may discourage investment or slow down manufacturing development.
• Global trade alignment: Easy, comfortable, compulsory certification ensures smooth trade relations and continues to reach significant imports from international markets.

Effect of withdrawal

1. On manufacturers

• BIS certification does not require low compliance cost.
• Easy access to imported raw materials without delay due to certification approval.
• More flexibility in purchase.

2. On importers

• Simplified import processes as foreign manufacturers no longer require BIS registration for these three chemicals.
• The risk of delay in shipment at ports decreased.

3. Finally, on industries

• Sustainable supply of acetic acid, methanol, and enlline ensures uninterrupted production in pharmaceuticals, dye and agrochemicals.
• Possible low cost due to better availability.

4. At consumers

• There is no immediate effect on everyday consumers, as these chemicals are industrial inputs. However, industries such as drugs, textiles and fertilisers may benefit from smooth production cycles.

Comprehensive policy perspective

The return highlighted India’s attempt to balance between regulation and industrial development. Instead of implementing strict standardisation that damages business, the government is choosing to allow industries to give more flexibility, expecting compliance with security and quality related to quality.

This reflects India’s major policy direction in promoting ease of trade in global markets and to increase competition. By reducing unnecessary compliance burden, India aims to attract more investment and support rapid development in manufacturing sectors.

What Happens Next?

While QCO has been withdrawn for these chemicals, businesses should still follow general security and quality standards:

• Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 (for drug applications)
• Environmental Protection Act, 1986
• Factory Act, 194 and
• Other region-specific rules based on end-use.

The government can re -view standardization in future, but for now, ease of trade and industrial development has been emphasized.

Conclusion

The refund of QCO for acetic acid, methanol and aniline reflects India’s effort to create a balance between quality regulation and industrial competition. The move is expected to provide immediate relief to manufacturers and importers, ensuring smooth supply chain and cost efficiency. However, industries must maintain quality through internal investigation and global best practices to remain competitive in international markets.