DPIIT takes steps to ensure quality of copper products
Oct 23, 2023
New Delhi [India], October 23 : The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has been actively engaged in identifying key products for the issuance of Quality Control Orders (QCO) in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and industry stakeholders.
This extensive effort has resulted in the development of over 60 new QCOs, encompassing 318 product standards. Among these, nine standards related to Copper Products have been established, read the press release by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Copper, a soft and malleable metal, is known for its application in electrical wires, plumbing, industrial machinery, construction materials, and various other sectors. Copper and its alloys are widely used in power generation, transmission, telecommunications, electrical circuits, and appliances, making it essential that the quality and purity of copper products are not compromised, read the press release.
On October 20, DPIIT issued the Copper Products (Quality Control) Order, 2023, which encompasses nine Indian Standards, covering different aspects of copper products.
The move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of producing top-quality products, as he emphasized, "With our people's ability and the nation's credibility, Indian products of top quality will travel far and wide, according to the press release.
This will also be a true tribute to the ethos of Aatmanirbhar Bharat - a force multiplier for global prosperity." DPIIT is actively working towards establishing a quality control regime in India for industrial sectors, collaborating with BIS, industry players, and other stakeholders, read the press release.
The implementation of QCOs aims not only to enhance the manufacturing quality standards in the country but also to strengthen the brand value of 'Made in India' products.
These initiatives, combined with the development of testing labs, product manuals, and accreditation of testing facilities, will contribute to the creation of a robust quality ecosystem in India, read the press release.
The standards issued for products are usually for voluntary compliance unless they are notified as mandatory by the Central Government, primarily through the notification of QCO under Scheme-I and Compulsory Registration Order (CRO) under Scheme-II of BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018.
The objective behind notifying QCOs is to elevate the quality of domestically manufactured products, prevent the import of sub-standard products into India, and protect human, animal, and plant health, as well as environmental safety by curbing unfair trade practices, read the press release.
The QCO will become effective six months from its notification in the E-Gazette. To support small and micro industries, relaxations have been granted regarding timelines.
Small industries receive an additional three months, while micro industries are granted an extra six months for QCO implementation. Additionally, drums and tins filled with powder, semi-solid, or liquid materials imported into India are exempt from the QCO.
With the implementation of the QCOs, manufacturing, storage, and sale of non-BIS-certified products will be prohibited under the BIS Act, 2016, read the press release.
Violation of the BIS Act's provisions can result in penalties, including imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of at least Rs 2 lakh for the first offence.
Subsequent offences may incur a higher fine, ranging from a minimum of Rs 5 lakh to ten times the value of the goods or articles.
The implementation of the QCOs is essential not only for the safety of consumers but also to enhance manufacturing quality standards and reduce the import of sub-standard products into India, read the release.
Coupled with the development of quality testing labs and product manuals, these initiatives aim to build a quality ecosystem in India.
These efforts are in line with the Government of India's vision to produce world-class, high-quality products in India, contributing to the creation of an "Aatmanirbhar Bharat."
