Update: India postponed the BIS mandate on PP and PVC for six more months

The Indian Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, in an official notification dated December 24, 2024, announced a six-month delay in the implementation of the Quality Control Order (QCO) mandate for PP and PVC. The new deadline for compliance is now set for June 24, 2025. This delay marks yet another shift in the timeline, which has already fuelled significant market speculation.

The QCO initiative, originally introduced in 2021, seeks to raise the quality standards of plastic raw materials and chemicals in India. The mandate for PE and EVA was successfully enforced on January 5, 2024, following a comprehensive preparation phase spanning nearly three years. The ongoing efforts to implement the mandate for PP and PVC reflect the thorough processes required to ensure full adherence to the rigorous standards established by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

Under the QCO framework, suppliers must undergo an extensive application and plant inspection process. Upon approval, suppliers are authorised to affix the BIS certification mark on packaging destined for the Indian market. Shipments redirected to other markets require additional clearance from the Indian Customs Department.

Market sources have noted that the timeline for enforcing the QCO mandate on PP and PVC may mirror that of PE, considering the complexities involved in ensuring compliance.

Follow the trail of the development: 

• India postpones the implementation of Quality Control Orders on PP and PVC
• Update: India’s quality control on PE officially comes into effect with several exceptions