By Rupin Chopra and Shantam Sharma
Introduction
The Ministry of Mines, Government of India, has issued four new Quality Control Orders (QCOs) on April 17, 2025, under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. These QCOs[1] mandate the compulsory BIS certification and use of the Standard Mark for certain non-ferrous metal products being sold in the Indian market.
These measures are aimed at ensuring consistent product quality and safety and apply equally to domestic and foreign manufacturers. Exported goods are exempted.
Overview of the New QCOs
The QCOs pertain to the following metals: Tin Ingot, Primary Lead, Refined Zinc, and Refined Nickel.
| Metal Product | QCO Name | Indian Standard | Title of Standard | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tin Ingot | Tin Ingot (Quality Control) Order, 2025 | IS 26:2024 | Tin Ingot – Specification | October 17, 2025 |
| Primary Lead | Primary Lead (Quality Control) Order, 2025 | IS 27:2023 | Primary Lead – Specification | October 17, 2025 |
| Refined Zinc | Refined Zinc (Quality Control) Order, 2025 | IS 209:2024 | Refined Zinc – Specification | October 17, 2025 |
| Refined Nickel | Refined Nickel (Quality Control) Order, 2025 | IS 2782:2023 | Refined Nickel – Specification | October 17, 2025 |
Certification Requirements
Under these QCOs, manufacturers are required to obtain BIS certification in accordance with Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
Key Certification Obligations
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Standard Mark Usage | Mandatory for covered products. Only BIS-certified products can bear the Standard Mark. |
| Certification Authority | Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) |
| Process | Includes submission of an application, factory inspection, and product testing at BIS-recognized labs. |
| Scope | Applicable to all manufacturers for domestic sale; not applicable to exports. |
Advisory for Manufacturers
With these QCOs set to take effect from October 17, 2025, manufacturers must act swiftly to ensure uninterrupted access to the Indian market:
Conclusion
These new Quality Control Orders signify a firm regulatory push towards standardization and quality assurance in the metals industry. Compliance will not only be mandatory but will also serve as a competitive advantage for manufacturers who are prepared. Manufacturers are advised to initiate the BIS certification process immediately to ensure business continuity.
[1] https://www.bis.gov.in/upcoming-qcos-notified-and-due-for-implementation/