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.
Understanding H Acid and Its 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.
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 for Certification
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.
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.
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.