India extends polyethylene compliance deadline

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has extended its quality control deadline for all key foreign polyethylene (PE) producers to comply with by 180 days. The new deadline has been set for 6 April 2022.

The BIS first announced the implementation of new standards on PE in April. Foreign PE producers were given 180 days to ensure their exports complied with BIS' stipulations.

But the pandemic made it difficult for foreign producers to obtain approval under these standards. Covid-related travel restrictions have prevented Indian officials from conducting on-site plant inspections at the facilities of foreign PE producers. This is a key requirement to be certified compliant with the BIS.

The announcement has brought some relief for Indian participants, as some key Middle Eastern producers have been holding off deliveries of cargoes that were purchased in September and October until an official announcement was made on the extension.

Indian plastic manufacturers had also pushed for exemptions on certain PE grades that are not commonly produced in India. But no official announcement has been made on these exemptions.

Argus on 8 October assessed low-density PE at $1,600-1,620/t cfr India. Linear low-density PE and high-density PE were both assessed at $1,250-1,270/t cfr India.

By Matthew Rajendra