India’s public health is facing a serious threat from imported PVC resin containing dangerously high levels of carcinogenic chemicals, according to a new report by the Centre for Domestic Economy Policy Research (C-DEP.in). Released at IIT Delhi, the study warns that imports from China contain Residual Vinyl Chloride Monomer (RVCM) concentrations up to five times above globally accepted safety limits, posing potential long-term risks to consumers.
The findings have renewed calls for strict quality enforcement under the Modi government Quality Control Order (QCO), introduced to regulate safety and industrial standards across sectors. The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals had proposed the QCO for PVC resin in 2024, but implementation delays have pushed enforcement to an expected deadline of December 2025.
C-DEP President Jaijit Bhattacharya said the QCO is essential not only for public safety but also for ensuring fair competition within India’s manufacturing landscape. He emphasised that without mandatory quality checks, substandard, chemical-laden resin continues to enter Indian markets unchecked, undermining domestic producers who adhere to safer standards.
Industry voices have echoed this urgency. Anil Sharma from the Swadeshi Jagran Manch stressed that quality control must apply equally to raw materials and finished goods, arguing that loopholes in current norms allow hazardous materials to slip into Indian supply chains. Sharma said that building strong, enforceable standards is necessary to protect citizens from harmful exposure and to strengthen India’s industrial self-reliance.
The report also notes that compliance with the QCO will not disrupt imports, as 39 international manufacturers already hold BIS certification to export PVC resin to India. Instead, stronger standards will help India align with global safety norms, improve market competitiveness and reduce reliance on unsafe imports.
As India expands its use of PVC across infrastructure, packaging, and consumer goods, experts warn that the stakes are high. Without urgent action, the continued influx of toxic resin could deepen long-term public health risks. The C-DEP report urges swift implementation of the QCO and a renewed commitment to ensuring that materials entering the country meet robust, science-backed safety standards.