Summary. The data sheet gives the limits; the batch Certificate of Analysis shows what your lot measured. Our Refined Glycerine (IP) follows the Indian Pharmacopoeia 2022 Glycerin monograph (CAS 56-81-5, HSN 2905 45 00). Check batch number, grade and edition, assay basis and the reported EG and DEG results before you release a lot.
Which grade are you reading a certificate for?
Glycerine, glycerin and glycerol are one molecule (propane-1,2,3-triol, C3H8O3, CAS 56-81-5); what differs is the standard it is tested against. This page covers the IP line. USP, BP and EP glycerin is a separate imported line (see the Glycerin USP page), and a separate industrial technical data sheet is documented for industrial use only; it is not evidence of IP compliance and is not for food, drug or cosmetic use. The rest of this article is about the document itself.
Supreme Petro Chemicals is a trader, importer and bulk distributor based in Chennai (head office Periyamet, warehouse Redhills). We supply glycerine to formulation manufacturers; we do not make it.
Do not read the numbers as one scale
The IP assay of 98.0 - 101.0 % is measured on an anhydrous basis, meaning the water is removed from the calculation first. Other data sheets may state glycerol content directly, with a separate water limit. These are different measures with different test methods, so placing headline percentages from different sheets side by side as if they were comparable purity figures would mislead. Compare the standard, the method and the edition, not just a headline number. Likewise, IP compliance does not imply USP, BP or EP compliance, and the reverse also holds. We do not claim food-grade, FCC or cosmetic-certified status for the IP glycerine; if your approval requires one, say so in the enquiry and we will confirm what is possible.
Reading the IP data sheet: the lines that need explaining
The limits come from the maker certificates of analysis (Godrej Ambernath 2023-24 and Kaleesuwari 2024) against the IP 2022 monograph, and both makers show identical limits. The full specification table is on the product page; this table covers only the lines where an explanation helps.
| Test | Limit | What it tells you (general knowledge) |
|---|---|---|
| Assay, anhydrous basis | 98.0 - 101.0 % | Glycerol content once water is excluded |
| Water | 2.0 % w/w max | Moisture as supplied; glycerine is hygroscopic |
| Relative density at 20 C | 1.258 - 1.268 | A quick identity and concentration check |
| Ethylene glycol / diethylene glycol | 0.10 % max each (per maker certificates) | Toxic-glycol contamination control |
| Sulphated ash | 0.01 % max | Inorganic residue |
Sources: SPC-TDS-OLE-001 for the limits; the right-hand column is general knowledge, not an SPC specification. The EG/DEG limit is as reported on maker certificates, not quoted as monograph text.
Reading the batch Certificate of Analysis
A batch Certificate of Analysis is supplied with every delivery. The data sheet tells you the limits; the certificate tells you what your lot actually measured. As general guidance for any glycerine certificate, a review takes a few minutes:
- Batch number: does it match the number on the drum label?
- Producer: check that the certificate identifies the producer, so you can match it to your approved-vendor list.
- Grade and edition: does it name the pharmacopoeia and edition you are buying against (Indian Pharmacopoeia 2022 for the IP line)?
- Assay basis: is the assay reported on the anhydrous basis, as the data sheet states it?
- EG and DEG: are both results reported, not only a statement of compliance?
- Dates: manufacture and retest or expiry dates, where the producer gives them.
If the certificate differs from the data sheet in any line, ask before you use the lot.
Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol: why buyers ask
Toxic-glycol contamination of glycerine and related excipients has drawn regulator attention in several markets (general background). Our data sheet records 0.10 % max each for ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol, per the maker certificates. We do not present that as monograph text; we present it as what the maker certificates report against IP 2022. Your quality team decides whether to re-test incoming lots. Our DEG and EG testing guide summarises regulator expectations for glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol and PEG.
A supplier-evaluation checklist for glycerine
- Does the supplier tell you which producers its material comes from, so you can match them to your approved-vendor list?
- Does every delivery come with a batch-specific certificate?
- Does the data sheet state its source and the standard edition?
- Does the supplier separate IP, USP and technical documents, and say which is which?
- Can the supplier answer your questions about producer certifications (for example Halal, which our sheet records for Kaleesuwari only)?
- Is there a clear route to a quote, with a stated response time?
Related reading and polyols
For the wider picture of IP, BP and USP labels, read our pharmacopoeia grade guide; for a Chennai buying view, see the glycerine supplier guide. If your formulation could use an alternative humectant or solvent, propylene glycol and sorbitol are the usual comparisons; the choice is a formulation decision and should be confirmed by a trial.
How to ask us for a quote
Send the grade and edition, quantity, pack (250 kg HDPE drums for the IP line), delivery location and the documents you need. Call or WhatsApp +91 86087 80096 or use the enquiry form on the glycerine page. We quote within 4 working hours, and a batch Certificate of Analysis is supplied with every delivery.