DPIIT notifies Quality Control Orders for ‘Copper Products’

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry consultation with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and stakeholders has been identifying key products for notifying Quality Control Order (QCO). This has led to the initiation of development of more than 60 new QCOs covering 318 product standards. It includes 9 standards of Copper Products.

Copper is a soft and malleable metal that is used in: electrical wires and cables for its conductivity. plumbing, industrial machinery and construction materials for its durability, machinability, corrosion resistance, and ability to be cast with high precision. Copper and its alloys are used in power generation, power transmission, telecommunications, electrical circuits, and several appliances. So, it’s a given that the copper products need to be of the best quality, and its purity must not be compromised at any cost.

DPIIT has notified QCO Copper Products (Quality Control) Order, 2023 on 20th October, 2023, it includes the following:

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, while emphasizing on the importance of manufacturing quality products said –“With our people’s ability and the nation’s credibility, Indian products of top quality will travel far and wide. This will also be a true tribute to the ethos of Aatmanirbhar Bharat- a force multiplier for global prosperity”.

In pursuance of the same, DPIIT is on a mission mode to establish a quality control regime in the country for the industrial sectors under its domain in association with BIS, Industry and other stakeholders. QCOs shall not only improve the manufacturing quality standards in the country but also enhance the brand and value of ‘Made in India’ products. These initiatives, coupled with development testing labs, product manuals, accreditation of test labs etc. shall aid in the development of a quality ecosystem in India.

The Standard issued for any product is for voluntary compliance unless it is  notified by the Central Government to make it mandatory primarily through notification of Quality Control Order (QCO) under Scheme-I and Compulsory Registration Order (CRO) under Scheme-II of BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018. The objective of notifying the QCOs is to enhance quality of the domestically manufactured products, curb the imports of sub-standard products into India, prevention of unfair trade practices for the protection of human, animal or plant health and safety of the environment.

The QCO will come into force on the expiry of six months from the date of notification in the E-Gazette. In order to safeguard the domestic small/micro industries, ensure smooth implementation of the QCO and Ease of Doing Business, relaxations have been granted to small/micro industries as regards to timelines, additional three month have been given to Small industries and additional six months have been given to micro industries in respect of implementation of QCO.

With the implementation of the QCOs, manufacturing, storing and sale of non-BIS certified products will be prohibited as per the BIS Act, 2016. The violation of the provision of the BIS Act can attract a penalty of imprisonment upto two years or with fine of at least Rs 2 lakh for the first offence. In case of second and subsequent offences, the fine will increase to Rs 5 lakh minimum and extend up to ten times the value of goods or articles.

The implementation of the QCO for these products is crucial not only for safety of the consumers, but it will also improve the manufacturing quality standards in the country and curb the imports of sub-standard products into India. These initiatives, coupled with development quality testing labs, product manuals etc. will aid in the development of a quality ecosystem in India. With the aforementioned initiatives, the Government of India aims to develop world-class products of good quality in India, thereby fulfilling the Prime Ministers’ vision of creating an “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”.