The government has temporarily suspended the Quality Control Order (QCO) for imports of linear alkyl benzene (LAB) in order to ensure uninterrupted availability of the key chemical in the domestic market. The move aims to address supply concerns and maintain stable raw material availability for downstream industries.
Three-Month Suspension Announced
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers on 30 March, the suspension will remain in effect for three months—from 1 April to 1 July 2026. During this period, importers will not be required to comply with the mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification requirement that normally applies under the Quality Control Order. The QCO for LAB had originally come into force in April 2023, making BIS certification compulsory for both domestic production and imports of the chemical.
Government Cites Global Supply Chain Disruptions
The government explained that the temporary suspension is necessary to maintain supply stability amid evolving global conditions. In the official notification, the ministry stated that global supply chain disruptions have affected the availability of LAB, prompting the government to take immediate action. “As global supply conditions remain uncertain, the central government has taken cognizance of the supply chain disruption and is satisfied that, in order to ensure adequate availability of LAB, it is necessary to temporarily suspend the operation of the order,” the ministry said. As a result, the decision is expected to ease import restrictions and help industries maintain consistent production levels.
Key Raw Material for Detergent Manufacturing
Linear alkyl benzene (LAB) plays a crucial role in the detergent and surfactant industry. The chemical is primarily used as an intermediate in the production of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate (LAS), a widely used surfactant. LAS serves as a key ingredient in household and industrial detergents, where it provides effective cleaning and foaming properties. Consequently, maintaining a stable supply of LAB is essential for detergent manufacturers and other downstream chemical industries.
Industry Impact
By temporarily suspending the QCO requirement, the government aims to prevent supply shortages and support the continuity of detergent production. As reported by icis.com, the move is expected to help manufacturers secure raw materials more easily while global supply chains continue to stabilize. At the same time, the temporary measure highlights the government’s effort to balance quality regulations with market availability, particularly for critical industrial chemicals.
