On July 15, 2026, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) released the second revision draft of the national standard IS 8401:1994, Specifications for Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid, for public comment, with the feedback deadline set for September 13, 2026. Linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acid (LABSA; CAS No. 68584-22-5) is a key surfactant raw material for synthetic detergents and cleaners, and enterprises that export related products or manufacture them in India should pay attention.
Standard and Product Overview
The subject of this revision is IS 8401:1994. The draft was prepared by the BIS Soaps, Detergents and Surfactants Sectional Committee (CHD 25). The product it regulates is the primary raw material for synthetic detergents and cleaning products, commonly known in the industry as acid slurry.
Product Classification
Based on active matter content, the draft divides linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acid into two types: Type 1, with an active matter content of not less than 95.0%; and Type 2, with an active matter content of not less than 85.0%.
Key Technical Requirements
The key technical requirements for the two product types are shown in the table below.
|
Requirement |
Type 1 |
Type 2 |
|
Active matter content (min) |
95.0% |
85.0% |
|
Free alkyl benzene (max) |
2.0% |
2.0% |
|
Free sulphuric acid (max) |
2.0% |
9.0% |
|
Colour (Lovibond) |
5 Y + 1 R |
3 Y + 0.5 R |
|
Colour (Klett units, max) |
950 |
700 |
Note: Active matter content, free alkyl benzene, and free sulphuric acid are all expressed as mass fraction (unit: %); colour is measured using a Lovibond colorimeter (¼-inch cell) and a Klett colorimeter (5% active matter aqueous solution), respectively.
Physical State, Packaging and Labelling
The draft requires that the product be a homogeneous, viscous liquid that does not separate upon pouring; after neutralization with an alkali, it may form a white to off-white paste. Packaging shall use polyethylene containers or suitable packaging agreed upon by the supplier and the purchaser. The label must bear the product name, type, manufacturer information, net content, batch number, and production date, and must additionally carry the safety warning "USE HAND GLOVES WHILE HANDLING". Products that meet the conditions may bear the BIS Standard Mark under the applicable certification scheme.
ChemRadar Insights
As this is the second revision draft, the relevant provisions and technical indicators may still be adjusted before official release. Enterprises are advised to focus on the following:
- Benchmark current products against the draft: Enterprises that manufacture or export linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acid (LABSA) to India should compare the active matter content, free alkyl benzene, free sulphuric acid, colour, and other indicators in the draft against their current products, and assess the impact on shipments and compliance.
- Track the final published version: Before the draft is officially released, technical indicators may still be adjusted; the final version shall be subject to the standard version officially released by BIS.
- Submit feedback by the deadline: Enterprises with comments or technical suggestions may submit feedback through BIS channels before September 13, 2026.
Further information
