On April 13, 2024, the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) under India's Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers announced a significant policy update in the official gazette, issuing the Orthophosphoric Acid (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024, S.O. 1709(E)). This amendment further updates the quality control regulations for orthophosphoric acid under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act of 2016 (BIS Act).
Based on the Orthophosphoric Acid (Quality Control) Order issued on June 15, 2021, the regulation clearly states that since orthophosphoric acid is a key raw material for fertilizer production, the new quality requirements set a 90-day exemption period for orthophosphoric acid used as a raw material for fertilizer production It aims to provide manufacturers sufficient time to adjust their production processes to ensure that their products meet the new regulation.
This order came into effect on April 13, 2024, and henceforth, all orthophosphoric acid in the Indian market must comply with the Indian Standard (IS) 798:2020. All manufacturers must apply for licenses from the BIS. The products must bear the standard mark under the license. The Orders do not apply to orthophosphoric acid intended for export only. All relevant manufacturers must comply with the new order. Those who fails to comply with the order shall be penalized in accordance with the provisions of the BIS Act, 2016.
With the implementation of the new standard, the fertilizer production industry in India is expected to significantly enhance the quality and safety of its products.
Further Information
Ortho-Phosphoric-Acid-Quality-ControlAmendment-order-2024.pdf