Mandatory Standard of Membrane Cell Produced Caustic Soda for Imports Soon

· Alkali Manufacturers concerned about Consumer Health and Environment!

[PIB Press Release dated 17.10.2017]

Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananth Kumar announced on 17 October that Government will make revised quality standards for Caustic Soda mandatory for both domestic manufacturers as well as for imports. This step has been taken to give a boost to the domestic industry, under Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Make in India’.

The revised quality standards, compliant with Bureau of India Standards (BIS) specifications, would necessitate the industry to produce caustic soda using the modern and more energy efficient membrane based technology. Mandating compliance to revised BIS specifications will allow superior grade caustic soda to be produced and imported in the country which would be beneficial to human health and environment. Disclosing this in a meeting with Alkali Manufacturers’ Association of India, the Minister assured the industry of Government of India’s continued support for growth of the Alkali Industry in India, on lines which are congenial to health and environment.

Before adoption of latest energy efficient membrane cell technology, Caustic soda was produced using an outdated mercury based technology which led to ingress of mercury in the final product which could be harmful to health and environment.