Indian Government notifies Quality Control Order 2024 for Vinyl Sulphone
On 26 July 2024, the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC), the statutory body of the Government of India notified the Quality Control Order (QCO) for Vinyl Sulphone to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Background on Vinyl Sulphone
Vinyl Sulphone is an organic chemical used in the production of reactive dyes. These dyes are used in the textile industry to colour fabrics. Vinyl Sulphone-based reactive dyes are also used in paints, plastics, rubber, and pigments. Earlier in August 2023, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) released the specifications for Vinyl Sulphone in the applicable Indian Standard IS 18340:2023.
Requirements for Vinyl Sulphone
As per the Indian Standard IS 18340: 2023, Vinyl Sulphone must meet the requirements given in Table 1.
| Sl.No. | Characteristic | Requirement |
| i) | Assay (by nitrite value), Min. % by mass (on dry basis) OR Assay (by HPLC), Min. % area (on dry basis) | 96.0 95.0 |
| ii) | Hydrolysis value, Min. % by mass (on 100% basis) | 93.0 |
| iii) | Matter insoluble in Na2CO3 solution, Max. % by mass | 0.6 |
| iv) | 4-Chloroaniline content, Max. % by mass (on 100% basis) | 0.05 |
These requirements must be met when tested according to the methods prescribed in the standard.
Compliance Strategy
Chemicals intended for export are exempt from this order. In accordance with the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations 2018, specifically Scheme I of Schedule II, all chemicals must adhere to the relevant Indian Standard, IS 18340: 2023, and bear the BIS Standard Mark upon the acquisition of a BIS product certification licence.
Comments and Enforcement
The draft is currently open for comments, which will close on 24 September 2024. As it is only a draft, the Vinyl Sulphone (Quality Control) Order, 2024 will come into force six months after it is published in the Official Gazette.
We acknowledge that the above information has been compiled from Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC).
