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- BIS Certification for H Acid is mandatory under the Quality Control Order to ensure compliance with Indian safety standards.
- As per IS 8637:2020, manufacturers must obtain ISI mark certification for H Acid before selling or exporting in India.
- This guide explains the complete BIS process, IS standards, and compliance challenges for H Acid manufacturers.
Introduction
In early 2023, a Gujarat-based dye intermediate manufacturer faced a hard stop at customs. A consignment of H Acid (1-Amino-8-naphthol-3,6-disulphonic acid) was halted for lacking a valid BIS Certificate under IS 8637:2020. Despite maintaining global REACH standards and ISO certifications, the client wasn’t aware of the Indian Quality Control Order (QCO) introduced under BIS.
H Acid, a key intermediate in dyes and pigments, is now part of India’s regulated chemicals under BIS. If you manufacture, import, or distribute H Acid, BIS Certification is not optional—it’s mandatory.
What is BIS certification for H Acid?
In the present-day globally competitive chemical industry, conforming to national and/or international quality standards is not merely a legal requirement; it is an indispensable business stratagem. Ensuring such a paramount compliance, chemical manufacturers get BIS certification for H Acid under IS 8637:2020-governing Indian Standard for quality, safety, and performance of H Acid. H Acid, or 1-amino-8-naphthol-3,6-disulfonic acid, holds a vital importance in producing dyes, especially in the production of azo dyes used in textile, leather, and paper industry.
With greater emphasis by the Indian government on product standardization and safety, it has become mandatory to obtain the IS mark certification for H Acid by manufacturers in India, as well as importers who wish to sell or distribute H Acid in India. Such a certificate shall be obtained for complying with the latest Quality Control Orders (QCO) issued by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, mandating compliance with IS 8637:2020.
What is H Acid? Properties and Industrial Significance
H Acid is 1-amino-8-naphthol-3,6-disulfonic acid, a brilliant intermediate in the preparation of azo dyes. The dyes find extensive application in textiles, leather, and paper industries, thus providing bright colors and durability to the articles. In essence, H Acid finds abundant use, so its quality directly affects the final measure of the dye’s performance and safety. IS 8637:2020: The H Acid Standard
Indian Standard IS 8637:2020 defines the requirements and methods of sampling and testing for H Acid. This standard prescribes certain specifications for H Acid with regard to composition and properties to ensure its purity, stability, and safety. Thus, IS 8637:2020 has to be compulsorily complied with by the manufacturers and importers of H Acid within India. Mandatory BIS Certification and ISI Mark for H Acid
According to the BIS Certification of H Acid under IS 8637:2020, all H Acid products must carry the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) irrespective of their production within the country or outside it. The certification comes under Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. The ISI Mark guarantees that the product conforms to the given Indian Standard, thus ensuring the quality and safety of the product for consumers as well as industries.
Why is BIS Certification for H Acid Is Mandatory?
The Government of India has made BIS Certification for H Acid mandatory under a Quality Control Order (QCO) of the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals. This is part of a larger effort to control hazardous chemicals and make sure that only high-quality, safe materials find their way into India’s market—locally manufactured or imported.
According to the QCO:
“No individual shall produce, store for sale, sell, import, or distribute H Acid unless it is marked with the Standard Mark (ISI mark) under a Bureau of Indian Standards‘ license.” This requirement by law implies: No product without the ISI mark is allowed to be sold, stored, or distributed in India.
This legal must means:
- Any product without an ISI mark cannot be sold or stored or distributed in India.
- H Acid will have to conform with Indian Standard IS 8637:2020, even if it complies with internationally recognized standards such as REACH or ASTM.
- Enforcement agencies like BIS and Customs can resort to the seizure of uncertified products, penalize, and stop business conduct.
To be deemed eligible, this must be a legal requirement: for manufacturers, importers, and distributors, certification does not exist as an option. And, more importantly, it is the license by which you’d operate safely and sustainably in the Indian chemical market.
BIS Certification for H Acid Quality Control Order
In November 2024, the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals had issued the H Acid (Quality Control) Order, 2024. According to this order, the BIS certification for H Acid was declared mandatory with effect from May 13, 2025. This QCO will apply to all H Acid products in India except those meant for export. Violation of this order shall attract legal proceedings and restricted sales of such products in India. Testing Parameters for H Acid Certification
H Acid must be subjected to stringent tests as prescribed under IS 8637:2020 to obtain BIS certification. The compulsory tests include:
- Assay (By Nitrite Value): Purity of H acid.
- Difference between Nitrite Value and Coupling Value: Chemical Stability.
- Matter Insoluble in Sodium Carbonate Solution: Impurities.
- Purity by HPLC: High-Performance Liquid Chromatography for precise determination of purity.
- Chromotropic Acid Content: For determining contaminant levels.
Benefits of BIS Certification for H Acid
There are numerous benefits of getting BIS certification for H Acid:
- Market Access: Enables penetration of Indian Market, as such certification is generally required for selling a product.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensures that the product is compliant with the national standards, thus reducing the risk of being entangled in legal problems.
- Enhanced Credibility: Bearing an ISI Mark lends credibility to any product in the eyes of both the consumers and the industry stakeholders.
- Customer Trust: Products sold with certification might be relied upon as such by a trusting customer.
- Edge Over Competition: Especially when MSMEs look to extend their market presence, certification can provide the edge over competition.
Procedure for Obtaining BIS Certification for H Acid
The steps of BIS certification are as follows:
- Documentation : The first most important step is preparation of the entire documentation. The manufacturers compile technical details, product specifications, details of manufacture, factory layout, quality control measures, and application forms as prescribed by the BIS.
- Application Submission: Manufacturers apply to BIS for certification along with the required documents.
- Product Testing: Samples are taken to laboratories recognized by BIS to test and verify conformity to IS 8637:2020.
- Factory Inspection: BIS officials inspect the manufacturing facility and observe the production processes and quality control measures.
- Grant of License: On successful evaluation, the license is granted to the manufacturer for using the ISI Mark on the product.
Timeline to Get BIS Certification Approval
To conclude, the application process to gain the certification is different with respect to the time taken for certification to be granted depending on the region of the manufacturer as given below:
- Indian suppliers: Average of 30 days.
- Foreign suppliers: Average of six months.
| Activity | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|
| Application Submission | 2–3 working days |
| Factory Audit | 7–10 days post scrutiny |
| Lab Testing & Result | 10–15 days |
| License Approval | 20–30 working days |
Average total time: 30–45 working days
Role of Diligence Certifications in BIS Certification
Obtaining BIS certification is a multi-layered process. Diligence Certifications is committed to rendering full assistance to manufacturers and importers in the BIS certification for H Acid. Diligence Certifications takes care of the documentation, arranges all necessary testing, and sits on the opposite side of the table when dealing with BIS officials, making the entire process smooth and swift.
How We Helped a Tamil Nadu Manufacturer Go BIS-Compliant
A major chemical exporter from Tamil Nadu approached us in 2024 after BIS rejected their license due to outdated lab equipment. Our audit experts conducted a pre-inspection, updated their SOPs, calibrated lab instruments, and prepared compliance documentation. Within 38 working days, they received BIS Certification under IS 8637:2020. Today, they export to 8 Indian states and 3 Asian countries—all BIS-compliant.
Conclusion
In a constantly changing landscape, compliance with quality standards cannot be looked at as an option. All sustainable growth, market access, and customer confidence upon it. BIS certification for H Acid under IS 8637:2020 certifies that manufacturers and importers comply with safety, quality, and performance requirements as mandated under the Indian regulations. The timely certification has become more so crucial because of the enforcement of H Acid (Quality Control) Order.
The IS mark of certification for H Acid does not merely fulfill a statutory requirement but assures the market that it is a quality product built to the topmost safety standards. This certification would face many commendations and will have many business prospects tied to its name. There is a downside as well: not having one opens up the doors for penalties, loss of market access, and several instances of reputation loss.
Whether you’re a large-scale manufacturer, an SME, or an importer in the chemical domain of activities, BIS certification for H Acid is your winning ticket in reaching new markets and staying ahead of your compliance requirements . Get in touch with Diligence Certifications today to initiate your certification, ensuring a foothold in India’s regulated chemicals market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BIS certification for H Acid?
It is a certificate from Bureau of Indian Standards which confirms H Acid complies with IS 8637:2020. In order to sell H Acid in India after May 13, 2025, you must have a BIS Certificate.
What is H Acid used for?
The H Acid (1-amino-8-naphthol-3,6-disulfonic acid) is an important intermediate for azo dye manufacturing and is used in textiles, leather, and paper sectors.
What are the testing parameters for this certification?
IS 8637:2020 testing parameters include but are not limited to: Assay (purity); stability testing; insoluble matter; HPLC purity; and chromotropic acid content testing.
What is the H Acid (Quality Control) Order, 2024?
This is an order under which all H Acid for sale within India must be supplied with a BIS certificate starting on May 13, 2025. Compliance is mandatory, and a certificate for manufacture and sale of H Acid must be obtained for compliance.
Who requires BIS Certification for H Acid?
BIS certification must be obtained by Indian manufacturers and foreign suppliers in order to sell H Acid in India. If the supplier is foreign, they need to have an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). Export only products are exempt.
What is the process for getting BIS Certification?
Process followed includes:
Submission of Application.
Product Testing at BIS Laboratory.
Factory Inspection.
Review Results.
Issue License for use of ISI Mark.
How long does certification take?
If you are an Indian manufacturer, certification process typically takes 30 days. If you are a foreign supplier, it can take anywhere up to six months due to the time required to appoint an AIR, ship samples, and schedule factory inspections.
What is the benefit of Certification?
It provides market access, compliance with the regulator, customer confidence, credibility, and competitive advantage. Certification also protects you from penalties and enhances marketplace reputation.
What documentation is required?
Main document requirements to be provided the application, a factory license, more details on processes, testing report(s), QC records, and raw materials.
What if uncertified H Acid is sold after May 13, 2025?
Selling uncertified H Acid will attract legal penalties, product seizure, and sales restrictions. Imports may be blocked at customs. Certified products, on the other hand, enjoy smooth trade and market credibility.
