BIS Regulations: What You Need to Know

India’s polyethylene (PE) and plastics ecosystem is emerging as one of the fastest growing markets globally. Fueled by strong consumption across industrial, consumer, and packaging sectors, and backed by structural shifts such as urbanization and manufacturing expansion, the country offers lucrative opportunities for foreign suppliers and investors. At the same time, companies must navigate evolving regulatory and compliance frameworks — where expert support from M+V Altios becomes a strategic advantage.

India’s Polyethylene & Plastics Market: Size, Growth & Trends

📊 Market Size & Growth

The Indian polyolefin market (which includes polyethylene) was valued at about USD 28.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 41.7 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2025 to 2030. Polyethylene was the largest revenuegenerating segment in 2024.

The broader India plastics market was valued at around USD 44 billion in 2024 and is expected to expand to approximately USD 77 billion by 2033 at a 6.4% CAGR, driven by demand across packaging, automotive, and consumer sectors. (Newstrail)

🧩 Segment & Consumption Insights

Polyethylene (PE) holds a dominant share of the plastics industry, accounting for roughly 34–38 % of market share in the Indian plastics sector — underscoring its central role in the overall polymer market.

PE is widely used in flexible packaging, industrial films, consumer goods, construction films, and highstrength components, making it integral to virtually all enduse categories.

📈 Application & Consumer Dynamics

Packaging is the largest application segment within the plastics market, driven by rapid ecommerce growth, rising FMCG demand, and the expansion of retail chains. (Ken Research)

Industrial, automotive, agricultural, and infrastructure applications are also significant drivers as India continues its modernization and investment in capital projects.

Percapita plastic consumption in India is on an upward trajectory as incomes rise and lifestyles change — an indicator of sustained future demand. (UJA)

Mandatory Compliance for Foreign Companies Selling PE Products in India

Foreign companies looking to sell polyethylene material or related products in India must address several mandatory compliance requirements:

Product Standards & Quality Norms

Certain polymer products have regulatory oversight under Indian standards and may require compliance with Quality Control Orders (QCOs) or Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certifications depending on the product category and application (e.g., industrial grade resins).

BIS certification (Standard Mark) and associated quality tests may be mandatory before commercial sale or import clearance.

Import & Customs Compliance

All import activities require a valid ImporterExporter Code (IEC).

Products must be correctly classified with HS codes, and duty plus GST must be applied accurately at customs.

Labeling& Packaging Regulations

India mandates appropriate labels with details such as product specification, importer/manufacturer information, batch number, and other statutory information—especially for finished or retail products.

Environmental Regulations

Plastic Waste Management Rules, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), require producers and importers of plastic products to register with environmental authorities and commit to waste collection, recycling targets, and reporting.

These rules aim to mitigate environmental impact and are enforced at state and national levels.

Taxes & Regulatory Filings

Companies must navigate GST registration and compliance as well as ongoing tax filings, financial reporting, and local regulatory licenses related to manufacturing or distribution (if applicable).

Complying with these regulations is essential to avoid delays at customs, penalties, or restrictions on market access.

Why Foreign Companies Should Partner with M+V Altios

Entering the Indian market for polyethylene materials offers high upside — but also regulatory and operational complexity. M+V Altios is uniquely positioned to support foreign firms with:

✅ Regulatory & Compliance Expertise

Guidance on BIS standards, QCO requirements, and product registrations.

Assistance with customs classification, import documentation, and duty/GST optimization.

✅ Environmental & Sustainability Compliance

Support on Plastic Waste Management and EPR registration/reporting structures required by central and state environmental bodies.

✅ Strategic Market Entry & Growth

Deep market intelligence on PE demand patterns by region and sector.

Help to identify potential distribution partners, local agents, and manufacturing collaborators.

Advisory on positioning products to match Indian industry needs and regulatory specifications.

✅ Risk Mitigation

Proactive support to minimize legal, logistical, and compliance risks that often delay or derail entry for foreign suppliers.

In Summary: Why Consult M+V Altios

Avoid costly compliance pitfalls.

Accelerate market access and customs clearance.

Leverage localized market insights and networks.

Navigate environmental and taxation frameworks efficiently.

Conclusion: India — A Strategic PE Opportunity

India’s polyethylene market offers strong structural growth, underpinned by industrial expansion, consumption trends, and diversified enduse demand. With market value projected into the tens of billions and PE as a leading segment, foreign firms have significant opportunities to capture value.

However, success in India hinges on meeting mandatory compliance requirements and local business landscape understanding. With its robust regulatory environment and evolving sustainability mandates, the Indian market rewards those with expert preparation.

Partnering with M+V Altios helps foreign manufacturers and suppliers navigate compliance, enter efficiently, and scale sustainably — making it the preferred choice for international companies targeting India’s plastics and polymer space.