In a move set to reshape India’s polymer and chemical landscape, the Government of India has officially withdrawn 14 BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) Quality Control Orders, as announced in the latest Gazette notification. The decision takes effect immediately and marks a major regulatory shift for industries that rely heavily on polymer and fibre intermediates.

The withdrawn orders covered several essential materials used across the India polymer industry, including Terephthalic Acid (PTA), Ethylene Glycol (EG), polyester fibres and yarns, Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polycarbonate (PC), Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) copolymers, and Polyurethanes (PU). These products form the backbone of sectors such as plastics manufacturing, packaging, textiles, and engineered materials.

According to the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, the policy change aims to ensure smoother access to raw materials, remove import hurdles, and reduce production costs—particularly for MSMEs involved in moulding, extrusion, packaging, and textile processing. The move is expected to improve India’s position in global value chains by making imported polymer feedstock more accessible.

With the lifting of mandatory BIS certification, manufacturers and importers will face fewer compliance steps and shorter approval timelines. The simplified regulatory environment eliminates redundant testing requirements, allowing companies to plan production more efficiently and maintain more stable supply chains. Many industry participants have welcomed the decision, calling it a long-awaited step that supports polymer imports into India and promotes competitiveness in chemical and plastics manufacturing.

“This policy shift finally gives businesses the flexibility to source materials aligned with international standards, helping us manage costs and improve turnaround time,” commented one industry representative.

Overall, the withdrawal of these QCOs is expected to streamline the India chemical and plastics supply chain, reduce regulatory burdens, and stimulate growth across the polymer, fibre, and textile ecosystem. The update aligns with the government’s broader ambition to strengthen Indian manufacturing and expand its global footprint.