BIS Rules That Every Chemical Supplier Must Follow in 2025

The Indian chemical industry is growing rapidly, but so is the regulatory pressure. In 2025, suppliers can no longer afford to ignore BIS standards for chemicals. Whether you're dealing in basic chemicals, solvents, agrochemicals, or speciality intermediates, complying with BIS guidelines is now mandatory under the BIS Act and its newly notified rules.

This blog explains the key BIS rules for chemical suppliers, what’s new in 2025, how it impacts your business, and how platforms like Nexizo can help you stay ahead.

What is BIS and Why is It Important?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national body that sets quality and safety benchmarks for products sold in India. Under the BIS Act, manufacturers and suppliers must ensure that their products meet specific standards to protect public health and the environment.

In 2025, the enforcement of BIS new standards for chemicals is stronger than ever. Several chemicals—especially those used in pharmaceuticals, construction, and consumer goods—are now under Compulsory Certification. That means if you’re not BIS certified, your product cannot be legally sold in India.

Top BIS Rules Chemical Suppliers Must Know in 2025

Here are the core rules that apply to chemical suppliers as per the updated BIS guidelines:

1. Mandatory Certification for Notified Chemicals

In 2025, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has quite significantly expanded the list of chemicals requiring mandatory certification under new and revised Quality Control Orders (QCOs). Over 100 product categories, including a variety of chemicals, are now covered, affecting both domestic manufacturers and foreign exporters to India. These include:

• Acetone
• Phenol
• Aniline
• Methanol
• Acetic Acid

You must comply with all the applicable BIS standards for chemicals like IS 170:2022 or IS 538:2023 depending on the product. This list is available in the BIS rules for chemical PDF format published on the official BIS portal.

2. ISI Mark Requirement

Only products tested and certified under BIS labs can carry the ISI mark. Selling non-certified chemicals without this mark is punishable under the BIS Act with heavy penalties, product seizure, or even imprisonment.

3. Lab Testing & Factory Inspection

To meet BIS new standards for chemicals, your factory will be inspected for:

• Quality control systems
• Batch-level documentation
• Proper labelling
• In-house or BIS-recognized testing lab

These steps are clearly outlined in the BIS rules for chemical PDF shared during the application process.

4. Annual Licence Renewal

Even after getting certified, suppliers have to submit annual renewal applications with production and sales data. Any change in formulation, manufacturing process, or location will need you to get fresh approval under BIS guidelines.

5. Imported Chemicals Also Require BIS Certification

As per the 2025 update, importers must obtain separate BIS certification if they wish to sell chemicals in India. Foreign manufacturers can apply under the FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme), but products must still conform to BIS standards for chemicals.

New and Revised QCO Implementation Dates

The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, in consultation with BIS, has extended and announced new enforcement dates for several chemicals. Here are the notable updates for 2025 and 2026:

Many other chemicals such as Acetic Acid, Methanol, Vinyl Sulphone, Styrene, EVA, and Aniline are also scheduled for QCO enforcement between August and December 2025.

Why BIS Compliance is a Must

Failing to comply with BIS certification isn’t just a regulatory issue—it’s a business risk. Because what’s at stake is:

• Getting banned from Government Tenders: Public sector buyers always require BIS-compliant products only.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Distributors and transporters are now asking for BIS papers before handling consignments.
• Loss of Customer Trust: Private buyers are quite increasingly filtering vendors using BIS certification as a qualifier.
• Legal Trouble: Under the BIS Act, penalties range from ₹2 lakh fines to jail time for repeat offenders.

Final Thoughts

The BIS Act is not new, but its enforcement in the chemical sector has taken a sharp turn in 2025. The new QCOs are part of India’s push to ensure chemical safety, product quality, and environmental protection. Non-compliance will result in import bans, possible seizures at customs, removal from online marketplaces, and legal penalties. 

Manufacturers and exporters must act promptly to secure BIS certification ahead of the enforcement dates to avoid supply chain disruptions and regulatory penalties. Whether you supply methanol, ethanol, toluene, or pharma intermediates, the time to align with the BIS standards for chemicals is now.

Don’t wait for a compliance notice. Make BIS certification part of your growth strategy—with Nexizo by your side.