Key Takeaway from the October 2025 Gazette
The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has officially withdrawn the Hydrogenated Rice Bran Fatty Acids (QCO 2025) through Gazette notification S.O. 4785(E) dated 22 October 2025.
This decision rescinds the earlier Rice Bran Fatty Acids Quality Control Order, which made Hydrogenated Rice Bran Fatty Acids BIS Certification mandatory under IS 12361:1988.
This update confirms that BIS for Rice Bran Fatty Acids is presently suspended, giving temporary relief to manufacturers who were preparing for certification audits. With this withdrawal, producers and importers no longer need a BIS license to sell or import Hydrogenated Rice Bran Fatty Acids in India.
Product Background and Standard Reference
Hydrogenated Rice Bran Fatty Acids (HRBFA) are industrial derivatives obtained from rice-bran oil. They are widely used in soaps, detergents, lubricants, cosmetics, and other oleochemical products because of their high stability and melting point.
The product is governed by IS 12361:1988 – Specification for Hydrogenated Rice Bran Fatty Acids, which defines parameters such as acid value, iodine value, and composition. When the Government issued the Rice Bran Fatty Acids Quality Control Order 2022, it sought to ensure consistent quality and prevent substandard imports through BIS certification.
Even though BIS for Rice Bran Fatty Acids was originally introduced to enforce uniform standards, the latest notification pauses its implementation. The recent BIS Chemical QCO Update, October 2025, highlights a recalibration of compliance timelines based on industry readiness.
Official Notification Details
1. Legal Reference
- Notification No.: S.O. 4785(E)
- Dated: 22 October 2025
- Issued by: Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals)
- Authority: Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act (2016)
- Subject: Rescission of the Hydrogenated Rice Bran Fatty Acids (Quality Control) Order 2022 [Original S.O. 1967(E)]
2. Summary of Change
| Clause | Earlier (QCO 2022 – S.O. 1967 E) | Current (Update 2025 – S.O. 4785 E) |
|---|---|---|
| Order Title | Hydrogenated Rice Bran Fatty Acids (Quality Control) Order 2022 | Withdrawn |
| Indian Standard | IS 12361:1988 | Same reference – certification not mandatory |
| Requirement | Mandatory BIS license and Standard Mark | QCO rescinded with immediate effect |
| Authority | Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals | Unchanged |
| Enforcement | Pending since 2022 | Cancelled 22 Oct 2025 |
- Hydrogenated Rice Bran Fatty Acids (Quality Control) Order 2022 – Rescinded
Notification S.O. 4785(E), dated 22 October 2025, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. - Principal Order: S.O. 1967(E), dated 27 April 2022, same Department.
Industry Impact: Who Is Affected
The withdrawal of the Hydrogenated Rice Bran Fatty Acids QCO 2025 means that Hydrogenated Rice Bran Fatty Acids BIS Certification – or simply BIS for Rice Bran Fatty Acids is no longer required under IS 12361:1988.
1. Manufacturers and Importers
- The withdrawal of the QCO does not halt the BIS certification process; applications can still be submitted and processed as usual.
- Factory inspections and testing will continue to follow standard BIS procedures for any applicant seeking certification.
2. Exporters and Trade Partners
- Overseas suppliers can ship to India without the BIS Standard Mark.
- Customs clearance is simplified until a new order is issued.
3. Industrial Users
- Downstream sectors, especially those involved in soap, cosmetics, and lubricant manufacturing, can continue operations without certification delays.
4. Policy Perspective
- The BIS Chemical QCO Update October 2025 reflects the Government’s pragmatic approach: ensuring readiness before re-enforcing chemical QCOs.
Staying Ready for Future Re-notification
Although the QCO is rescinded, maintaining internal compliance systems aligned with IS 12361:1988 BIS Certification is a smart industry practice.
- Identify Applicable Standard – Continue referencing IS 12361:1988 for product testing and lab data. Staying aligned with BIS for Rice Bran Fatty Acids keeps manufacturers audit-ready.
- Assess Testing Readiness – Maintain periodic lab records for acid value, iodine value, and composition.
- Update Documentation – Keep SOPs, test reports, and Form VI-style files ready for quick application if reissued.
- Simulate Audits – Conduct internal mock audits to evaluate process control systems.
- Maintain Supplier Traceability – Ensure vendors follow BIS parameters even without a mandatory license.
Note: BIS audits verify production quality and labelling practices. NKG Advisory supports pre-audit documentation and readiness for smooth certification when QCOs are re-enforced.
What It Means for Industry Stakeholders
The withdrawal of the Rice Bran Fatty Acids Quality Control Order marks another instance of India’s flexible, evidence-driven regulatory approach. While Hydrogenated Rice Bran Fatty Acids BIS Certification under IS 12361:1988 is not mandatory today, the suspension of BIS for Rice Bran Fatty Acids offers a valuable window for companies to strengthen internal testing and quality systems.
NKG Advisory’s Guidance
At NKG Advisory, our BIS compliance specialists assist manufacturers, importers, and exporters in navigating such regulatory transitions, ensuring audit readiness and smooth licensing whenever QCOs are reactivated.
Start early. Stay compliant. Lead confidently.
For BIS registration or factory audit support, reach us at www.nkgabc.com or email navraj@nkgabc.com.
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