India: Govt mandates quality standards for copper products

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry in India, has been actively engaged in a comprehensive consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and various stakeholders to identify key products for the notification of Quality Control Orders (QCOs). This initiative aims to establish a stringent quality control regime for industrial sectors, ensuring that products meet high-quality standards and bolster the "Made in India" brand.

On 20 October, 2023, the DPIIT officially notified the Quality Control Order (QCO) for Copper Products, encompassing nine specific Indian Standards (IS) that pertain to various copper products. These standards cover a diverse range of copper applications, including 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 purposes. The stringent quality and purity requirements outlined in these standards are of paramount importance due to copper's extensive use in power generation, transmission, telecommunications, electrical circuits, plumbing, and across various industrial and construction applications.

The DPIIT's mission is to collaborate with BIS, industry stakeholders, and other relevant parties to improve manufacturing quality standards in the country. This involves developing testing laboratories, product manuals, and accrediting testing facilities. These efforts collectively contribute to the establishment of a quality ecosystem in India.

Notably, standards issued for products are initially for voluntary compliance. However, when notified by the Central Government, they become mandatory through the Quality Control Order (QCO) or Compulsory Registration Order (CRO) under the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018. The primary objectives of these notifications are to enhance the quality of domestically manufactured products, prevent the import of sub-standard products, and protect human, animal, and plant health, as well as environmental safety.

The QCO for Copper Products will become effective six months from the date of notification in the E-Gazette. To support small and micro industries and ensure a smooth implementation process, extensions of three months for small industries and six months for micro industries have been granted.

Non-compliance with the QCO can result in serious penalties, including imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of at least Rs 2 lakh for the first offense. For second and subsequent offenses, fines may increase significantly.

Implementing the QCO is not only crucial for consumer safety but also for improving manufacturing standards in India and preventing sub-standard product imports. Combined with the establishment of quality testing labs and product manuals, these initiatives are aimed at creating world-class products of superior quality in India, aligning with the vision of an "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" or self-reliant India outlined by the Prime Minister.