The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), through its Chemicals Division Council (CHD 1), has recently published a draft amendment to the specification for Industrial Ammonium Sulphate and has invited comments from stakeholders and interested parties. The last date for submitting feedback is April 10, 2026.
Background
The standard was first published in 1988 and prescribes requirements for industrial grade ammonium sulphate used in water treatment, leather processing (treatment of raw hides and skins), and the manufacture of explosives and ammunition.
The revised standard covers the following:
- Requirements for industrial grade ammonium sulphate
- Methods of sampling and test
The material covered by this standard is classified into the following three types:
- Type 1 – For use in leather processing
- Type 2 – For use in water treatment
- Type 3 – For use in explosives and ammunition
The material shall also comply with the requirements specified in the table below:
|
Characteristics |
Requirements |
||
|
Type 1 |
Type 2 |
Type 3 |
|
|
Assay, percent by mass, Min |
96.7 |
98.0 |
99.0 |
|
Moisture, percent by mass, Max |
1.0 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
|
Free acidity (as H2SO4), percent by mass, Max |
0.70 |
0.15 |
0.025 |
|
Water insolubles, percent by mass, Max |
To pass the test |
– |
0.05 |
|
Iron (as Fe), percent by mass, Max |
0.20 |
– |
– |
|
Ether soluble matter, percent by mass, Max |
– |
0.03 |
– |
|
Arsenic (as As), percent by mass, Max |
0.01 |
0.005 |
0.05 |
|
Sulphated ash, percent by mass, Max |
– |
– |
0.40 |
|
Total chlorides (as NH4Cl), percent by mass, Max |
– |
– |
0.05 |
|
Nitrates (NO3), percent by mass, Max |
– |
– |
Nil |
The main modifications introduced in this amendment include:
- Addition of instrumental test methods for the determination of iron and arsenic content to improve accuracy, reliability, and alignment with modern laboratory practices.
- Inclusion of a dedicated clause on normative references to enhance clarity and ensure better harmonization with other relevant standards.
- Updated provisions for packaging and marking to ensure better compliance and traceability.
How to Submit Comments
Any comments or suggestions on the draft should be submitted using the prescribed comment template through the BIS online portal by the specified deadline. If no comments are received by the deadline of April 10, 2026, the draft will be considered for final approval by default.
