Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy Products (Quality Control) Order, 2023

On September 25, 2023, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, under the powers conferred by section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, introduced the “Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy Products (Quality Control) Order, 2023.” This order aims to ensure the quality and conformity of various aluminium and aluminium alloy products in the Indian market. In this article, we delve into the key aspects of this significant quality control order.

Short Title and Commencement: The order is officially known as the “Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy Products (Quality Control) Order, 2023.” It comes into effect six months from the date of its publication in the official gazette.

Compulsory Use of Standard Mark:

• The order mandates that goods or articles specified in the table must conform to the corresponding Indian Standard, as mentioned in the Table.
• These products shall bear the Standard Mark, and the manufacturers must obtain a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as per Scheme-1 of Schedule-II to the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
• An important exception is that this order does not apply to goods or articles manufactured domestically for export purposes.
• Additionally, different commencement dates are specified for micro enterprises and small enterprises as per the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006.

Certification and Enforcement Authority:

• The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is designated as the certifying and enforcing authority for the goods or articles specified in the Table.
• This signifies BIS’s role in ensuring adherence to quality standards in the production of these aluminium and aluminium alloy products.

Penalty for Contravention: The order imposes penalties on individuals or entities found contravening its provisions. Violations are punishable under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

The Comprehensive Table:

• The order includes a comprehensive table listing various aluminium and aluminium alloy products along with their corresponding Indian Standard titles.
• These products range from aluminium alloy tubes for irrigation to aluminium foil for pharmaceutical packaging, reflecting the diverse applications of aluminium in various industries.

Application of Latest Standards: The order explicitly states that for the purposes of the Table, the latest version of Indian Standards, along with any amendments notified by the Bureau of Indian Standards, shall apply.

Conclusion: The Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy Products (Quality Control) Order, 2023, issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, signifies a critical step towards ensuring the quality and conformity of aluminium and aluminium alloy products in the Indian market. By imposing the compulsory use of Standard Marks and specifying BIS as the certifying authority, this order seeks to enhance the overall quality and safety of these products. It is imperative for manufacturers and stakeholders involved in the production and distribution of aluminium and aluminium alloy products to comply with the stipulations of this order to avoid penalties and contribute to a quality-driven industry.

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MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade)
ORDER
New Delhi, the 25th September, 2023

S.O. 4241(E).—In exercise of the powers conferred by section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 (11 of 2016), the Central Government, after consulting the Bureau of Indian Standards, is of the opinion that it is necessary or expedient so to do in the public interest, hereby makes the following Order, namely:-

1. Short title and commencement. – (1) This Order may be called the Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy Products (Quality Control) Order, 2023.

(2) It shall come into force on the expiry of six month from the date of publication of this notification in official gazette:

2. Compulsory use of Standard Mark. – Goods or articles specified in column (1) of the Table shall conform to the corresponding Indian Standard specified in column (2) of the said Table and shall bear the Standard Mark under a license from the Bureau of Indian Standard as per Scheme-1 of Schedule-II to the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018:

Provided that nothing in this Order shall apply to goods or articles manufactured domestically for export:

Provided further that in relation to micro enterprises, as defined in clause (h) and (m) respectively of Section 2 of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006 (27 of 2006), it shall come into force on the expiry of twelve month from the date of publication of this notification:

Provided also that in relation to small enterprises, as defined in clause (h) and (m) respectively of Section 2 of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006 (27 of 2006), it shall come into force on the expiry of nine month from the date of publication of this notification.

3. Certification and enforcement authority. – The Bureau of Indian Standards shall be the certifying and enforcing authority for the goods or articles specified in the Table.

4. Penalty for Contravention. – Any person who contravenes the provisions of this Order shall be punishable under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

TABLE

Note : For the purposes of this Table, the latest version of Indian Standards including the amendments thereof, as notified by the Bureau of Indian Standards from time to time shall apply.

[F. No. P-29026/7/2023-LEI]

SANJIV, Jt. Secy.