BIS Compliance News · 29 September 2026
LAB Quality Control Order suspension extended a second time, to 31 December 2026
The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals amended the Linear Alkyl Benzene (Quality Control) Order, 2022 (S.O. 1648(E)) by Gazette order S.O. 5343(E) dated 29 September 2026. The amended proviso says conformity to the Indian Standard does not apply from 1 April 2026 to 31 December 2026, so that supply of linear alkyl benzene (LAB) is not disrupted.
This is the third order on the suspension. S.O. 1655(E) of 30 March 2026 first suspended the QCO from 1 April to 1 July 2026, citing global supply-chain disruption. S.O. 3456(E) of 25 June 2026 extended it to 30 September 2026. The latest order is made under section 16 read with section 25(3) of the BIS Act, 2016.
The QCO has been suspended, not withdrawn. Unless the government extends the suspension again, BIS-certified LAB will be needed again from 1 January 2027.
Who is affected
Importers and producers of linear alkyl benzene, and detergent makers that use LAB.
What to do
- Use the window to line up BIS-licensed LAB sources before January 2027; do not assume another extension.
- Foreign LAB producers without a licence should start the FMCS application now, as approvals take months.
- Keep a copy of S.O. 5343(E) with import documents for consignments cleared before 31 December 2026.
Source: Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals — LAB QCO suspension, S.O. 5343(E), 29 September 2026 · Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals — LAB QCO suspension extended, S.O. 3456(E), 25 June 2026 · Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals — LAB QCO first suspension, S.O. 1655(E), 30 March 2026
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BIS Compliance News summarises official notifications in plain language. It is general information, not legal or regulatory advice — always confirm the current text of the order or notice, linked above, before acting.