India’s Bureau of Indian Standards BIS Revises Standards for Metallic Zinc Powder Potassium Iodate and Barium Chloride
India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is currently seeking feedback on several revised standards for key chemicals used across industries, including metallic zinc powder, potassium iodate and barium chloride. Thes BIS is seeking feedback on updated standards for key chemicals like zinc powder, potassium iodate, and barium chloride.e revisions aim to improve quality control, packaging, and labeling requirements, while addressing safety concerns related to heavy metals and impurities. The following are the most important updates for the 3 substances:
1. Revised Standard for Metallic Zinc Powder (Zinc Dust)
Consultation Deadline: 9 December 2024
BIS has released a third revision of the standard for metallic zinc powder, a critical substance in the chemical industry used in protective coatings, organic reactions, and the production of synthetic dyes. Key revisions include:
- New Test Methods: Includes testing for chlorides, iron, lead, and copper.
- Grade Classification: The standard defines two grades:
- Grade 1: Used in the manufacture of hydrosulphites and related products.
- Grade 2: For chemical and protective coatings.
- Packaging and Labeling: The substance should be packaged in air-tight metal drums or double polyethylene-lined bags. Packaging must include specific information such as the material’s grade, source of manufacture, and batch traceability.
Specifications for Zinc Powder:
| Grade I | Grade 2 | |
| Metallic zinc (% by mass, minimum) | 94 | 94 |
| Total zinc (% by mass, minimum) | 98 | 98 |
| Lead (% by mass, max) | 0.15 | 0.05 |
| Iron (% by mass, max) | 0.05 | 0.05 |
| Cadmium (% by mass, max) | 0.05 | 0.02 |
| Chlorides (% by mass, max) | 0.01 | 0.01 |
| Copper (% by mass, max) | 0.005 | 0.005 |
| Moisture and other volatile matter (% by mass, max) | 0.05 | 0.05 |
2. Revised Standard for Potassium Iodate
Consultation Deadline: 9 December 2024
BIS is revising the standard for potassium iodate, which is widely used in the iodization of table salt and in iodometry. The new revision introduces three grades: Analytical Reagent (AR), Food Grade (FD), and Technical Grade (TECH). The revised standard also specifies maximum permissible limits for heavy metals and modifies packaging requirements. Key updates include:
- Grade Specifications:
- AR grade: Strict limits on impurities such as bromate, chlorides and iron.
- FD grade: Used in food products with lower limits on contaminants.
- TECH grade: More lenient limits suitable for industrial use.
- Packaging: The substance must be packaged in airtight bottles or for bulk in steel or fiber drums.
Key Specifications for Potassium Iodate:
| AR grade | FD grade | TECH grade | |
| Potassium iodate (% by mass, minimum) | 99.9 | 99.9 | 99.9 |
| Matter insoluble in water (% by mass, max) | 0.003 | – | – |
| Bromate, chlorides, bromide, chlorate (% by mass, max) | 0.02 | 0.01 | 0.1 |
| Iodide (% by mass, max) | 0.001 | 0.002 | 0.005 |
| Nitrogen (% by mass, max) | 0.002 | – | – |
| Sulphate (% by mass, max) | 0.01 | – | 0.01 |
| Iron (% by mass, max) | 0.001 | – | – |
| Lead (% by mass, max) | 10 | 10 | – |
| Sodium (% by mass, max) | 0.01 | – | 0.05 |
| Arsenic (% by mass, max) | – | 3 | – |
3. Revised Standard for Barium Chloride
Consultation Deadline: 25 December 2024
BIS is revising the standard for barium chloride, a substance used in the manufacture of pigments and dyes and the removal of sulphate ions from brine. The revision introduces alternative test methods for determining copper, iron, and lead content, as well as updated packaging and labeling requirements. Key updates include:
- Two Grades: The standard proposes two grades—Technical (TECH) and Analytical Reagent (AR).
- Packaging: The TECH grade must be packaged in clean jute bags lined with polyethylene, while the AR grade must be packaged in glass bottles.
- Heavy Metals Limits: The revision includes limits for heavy metals and impurities such as calcium and strontium salts.
Key Specifications for Barium Chloride:
| TECH grade | AR grade | |
| Matter insoluble in water (% by mass, max) | 0.1 | 0.005 |
| Heavy metals as lead (mg/kg, max) | 100 | 3 |
| Calcium and strontium salts (% by mass, max) | - | 0.10 |
| pH of aqueous solution | 5-8 | 5-8 |
| Copper (% by mass, max) | 0.002 | – |
| Potassium (% by mass, max) | – | 0.02 |
Packaging and Labeling Requirements for All Chemicals
For all three substances, BIS has updated the packaging and labeling requirements, which now require clear identification of:
- Name and grade of the material
- Source of manufacture
- Net weight of the material
- Lot or batch number
- Date of manufacture
Conclusion
Bis’s revised standards aim to enhance the safety, quality, and traceability of these chemicals which are used in a wide range of industries. Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback, with the consultation deadlines approaching in December 2024. The updates are expected to improve quality control, reduce contamination risks, and ensure greater transparency in the chemical industry.
We acknowledge that the above information has been compiled from Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
