BIS Suspends Linear Alkyl Benzene (Quality Control) Order for Three Months - Detailed Information

The Government of India, through the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, has made significant changes in the Linear Alkyl Benzene (Quality Control) Order, 2022. The order was issued on 30th March 2026. Under the recent update, the government has temporarily suspended the mandatory BIS Certification requirement for Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB). The suspension is for three months from 1st April to 1st July 2026. After three months, the manufacturers have to obtain the mandatory ISI Mark.

The Linear Alkyl Benzene Exemption action was taken due to the ongoing global supply chain disruption and aims to ensure the uninterrupted availability of critical industrial chemicals in the Indian market.

Key Highlights of LAB BIS Certification Suspension 2026

The important highlights under the Linear Alkyl Benzene Exemption order are as follows: 

• Under the recent order of Linear Alkyl Benzene, the BIS Certification of the product has been suspended for three months
• The order is issued under Section 16, read with Section 25 (3) of the BIS Act
• This suspension has been done due to global disruption and potential risks in the availability of Linear Alkyl Benzene
• After three months, manufacturers have to go through the strict BIS guidelines in the Indian Market.

Duration of the Relaxation Period for BIS Certification of Linear Alkyl Benzene

The exemption from compliance with Indian Standards for the following is applicable between:

• Start Date: 1 April 2026
• End Date: 1 July 2026

For the period mentioned above, no manufacturer or importer has to comply with BIS standards for LAB.

Impact of LAB BIS Suspension on Manufacturers & Importers in India

Below, you can go through the impacts of manufacturers, importers, and the industry manufactueres and importers:

• Enhanced Flow of Goods: As LAB is heavily used in production and across several sectors, including the laundry detergent industry, maintaining a stable supply of LAB is essential for preventing disruptions to its distribution channels.
• Compliance Cost Savings: Without these restrictions, manufacturers may continue operating without the legal requirement of having Linear Alkyl Benzene BIS Certification for a limited time period, therefore, reducing their overall compliance cost.
• Price Stability: Establishes consistent and predictable raw material supply levels so there is no sharp increase/decrease in price.

Background of Linear Alkyl Benzene (Quality Control) Order, 2022

On April 5, 2022, the Bureau of Indian Standards issued an order regarding the Linear Alkyl Benzene Quality Control Order (2022). The purpose of this order is to ensure quality, safety, and standardisation of products manufactured by each company in the industry. Under this order, it is now compulsory for all LAB products to meet the following criteria:

• Conform to a specific set of Indian Standards;
• Be certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as compliant with those Indian Standards.
• Bear a Standard Mark (also known as the ISI Mark) and be identified by that mark on packaging materials.

Conclusion

The government has taken a balanced approach to addressing global supply chain challenges by temporarily suspending BIS Certification to protect the needs of domestic manufacturers. This relief provides immediate business relief (on a short-term basis) and will require all stakeholders to prepare for the reinstatement of their respective compliance requirements after July 1, 2026. Manufacturers and importers also have an extended period to maximise their operations in terms of managing their supply chains and being proactive with regard to meeting their compliance needs.