The union government on Monday notified mandatory quality norms for copper products, drums and tin containers to curb the import of inferior-quality goods and boost domestic production of these goods.
The Drums and Tins (Quality Control) Order 2023, and the Copper Products (Quality Control) Order 2023, notified this week, will prohibit the production, sale, import and stocking of certain items unless they bear the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mark. These orders will take effect six months from the date of publication of the notification, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) said.
Copper and its alloys are used in power generation, power transmission and telecommuni-cations equipment, electrical circuits, and several appliances. The nine copper products covered by this order include wire rods for electrical applications; solid drawn copper and copper tubes for condensers and heat exchangers; and wrought copper tubes for refrigeration and air-conditioning.
“In order to safeguard the domestic small/micro industries, ensure smooth implementation of the QCO (quality-control orders) and ease of doing business, relaxations have been granted to small/micro industries as regards to timelines… an additional three months have been given to small industries and an additional six months to micro industries,” the department said.
Drums and tin containers are typically used to store and transport toxic, flammable and hazardous substances. They are widely used across industries such as waste management, healthcare and food services.
The DPIIT, in consultation with BIS and stakeholders, has been identifying key products to include in QCOs. This has led to the initiation of more than 60 new QCOs covering 318 product standards, it said.
Violations of the BIS Act attract a punishment of up to two years in jail or a fine of atleast ₹2 lakh for the first offence. For subsequent offences the fine increases to a minimum of ₹5 lakh, and up to 10 times the value of the goods in question.
The department said it has been undertaking various initiatives, including the development of QCOs, to develop quality sensitization among manufacturers and users alike. These initiatives, coupled with developing quality testing labs and product manuals, will help build a quality ecosystem in the country, it said.
QCOs help curb the import of sub-standard products, prevent unfair trade practices, and ensure the safety and well-being of consumers as well as the environment, it said.
Such orders have previously been issued for goods such as smart meters, welding rods and electrodes, cookware and utensils, fire extinguishers, electric ceiling fans, and domestic gas stoves.
