The chemical industry in India covers a wide range of chemicals, petrochemicals, agrochemicals, specialty chemicals, dyes, biopharmaceuticals and bio-industrial products. Significant growth opportunities are expected in the specialty chemicals, polymers and agrochemicals industries, and growth and investment promotion initiatives are in place.

Chemical management in India is comprehensive, covering the various stages in the life cycle of a chemical substance, with different laws applicable to each stage. There are also laws that cover specific substances such as pesticides, petroleum, explosives and ozone depleting substances. These laws contribute to the comprehensive management of chemical substances, but their legal framework is complex and intertwined.

The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 is closely related to its sub-regulations and other laws as a comprehensive basic law covering a variety of areas. Chemical legislation made under the Environment (Protection) Act includes the following regulations.

 

Rules / Regulation / Order / Notification

  • Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986
  • Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules, 1989
  • Chemical Accidents (Emergency Planning, Preparedness and Response) Rules, 1996
  • Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000
  • E-waste (Management) Rules, 2016 (RoHS provisions)
  • Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules,2016
  • Regulation of Polychlorinated Biphenyls Order, 2016
  • Regulation of Lead Contents in Household and Decorative Paints Rules, 2016
  • Regulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants Rules, 2018
  • Prohibition on the handling of Azodyes

 

Bill / Draft

  • Lead Stabilizer in Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pipes and Fittings, Rules, 2019
  • Hazardous Chemical (Classification, Packaging and Labelling) Rules, 2011
  • Chemicals (Management and Safety) Rules, 20XX

 

Other Acts related to Chemical Management

  • Insecticides Act, 1968
  • Pesticide Management Bill, 2017
  • White Asbestos (Ban on Use and Import) Bill, 2014

The primary ministry in charge of chemical management is the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) which is responsible for the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Other ministries (see below) have been engaged in its management depending on the life cycle, types and use, etc. of chemicals.

  • Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare
  • Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers
  • Ministry of Commerce and Industry
  • Bureau of Indian Standards
  • Ministry of Road Transport and Highways,
  • Ministry of Shipping