Low Quality PVC from China Threatens Indian Industry and Public Safety

New Delhi, Jun 20 (KNN) India’s rapid infrastructure and agricultural growth has boosted demand for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), especially in piping and agri-based applications.

However, industry officials warn that a surge in low-quality PVC imports from China is harming public health, the environment, and domestic industry.

These imports, often priced artificially low, contain Residual Vinyl Chloride Monomer (RVCM)—a Group 1 carcinogen—at levels as high as 10ppm, well above India’s safety norms. “Such products bypass existing Quality Control Orders (QCOs), slipping through enforcement gaps,” said experts.

While domestic PVC manufacturers comply with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Chinese imports frequently avoid these regulations, raising alarms about toxic material entering the Indian market unchecked.

Experts warn that when exposed to sunlight or friction, these low-grade products degrade into microplastics, contaminating water, soil, and the food chain.

Anupam Kaul, former Director of the National Institute of Training for Standardization, criticized the government’s inconsistent enforcement. “Frequent postponement of QCOs creates uncertainty and discourages investments in compliance,” he said. “Extensions have stretched up to three years in some cases, creating an unreliable policy regime.”

India’s PVC pipe market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.2 per cent, reaching USD 1.24 billion by 2033. However, domestic production remains insufficient, making the country heavily reliant on imports—mainly from China, the world’s largest exporter.

Industry leaders urge stronger enforcement of import regulations to protect both consumers and local manufacturers. “Without stringent quality checks, India risks becoming a dumping ground for hazardous materials,” officials warned.

(KNN Bureau)