Introduction: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has recently taken a significant stride in enhancing the quality control landscape in India. On August 25, 2023, DPIIT notified two new Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for ‘Solar DC Cable and Fire Survival Cable’ and ‘Cast Iron Products’. These QCOs are poised to have a far-reaching impact on manufacturing standards, domestic industries, and the overall quality ecosystem in the country. This article delves into the details of these Quality Control Orders, the products they cover, their implications, and the broader vision of promoting ‘Made in India’ products of superior quality.
Detailed Subheading-wise Analysis:
1. Solar DC Cable and Fire Survival Cable (Quality Control) Order, 2023: The first QCO pertains to Solar DC Cables and Fire Survival Cables. The former encompasses electric cables designed for photovoltaic systems’ interconnections, offering versatility for indoor and outdoor installations under diverse weather conditions. Fire Survival Cables, on the other hand, are engineered to withstand elevated temperatures during direct fire exposure. These cables find applications in critical sectors such as nuclear power plants, airports, metro rails, refineries, high-rise buildings, shopping malls, and cinemas.
2. Cast Iron Products (Quality Control) Order, 2023: The second QCO focuses on various cast iron products, including manhole covers, cast iron pipes, malleable iron fittings, and grey iron castings. By setting standards for these products, the QCO aims to ensure their quality, safety, and compliance with defined parameters.
3. Stakeholder Consultation and Approval: Before notifying the QCOs, extensive consultations were conducted with key industry associations and members. The draft QCOs underwent approval by the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry and legal vetting by the Department of Legislative Affairs. The QCOs were also posted on the World Trade Organization (WTO) website for 60 days, inviting comments from member countries.
4. Relaxations for Small/Micro Industries: To support small and micro industries and streamline the implementation of the QCOs, relaxations have been granted in terms of timelines under the Cast Iron Products (Quality Control) Order.
5. Implications and Enforcement: With the implementation of these QCOs, the manufacturing, storage, and sale of non-Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certified products will be prohibited as per the BIS Act, 2016. Violation of BIS Act provisions can lead to penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
6. Prime Minister’s Vision for Quality Products: Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of manufacturing quality products as a tribute to the spirit of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India). The government’s focus on quality, credibility, and global reach underscores the role of these QCOs in realizing this vision.
7. DPIIT’s Mission for Quality Control: DPIIT’s mission is to establish a robust quality control regime for various industrial sectors under its purview. These QCOs not only elevate manufacturing standards but also contribute to enhancing the reputation of ‘Made in India’ products globally.
8. Broader Initiatives and Future Scope: The implementation of QCOs is part of a broader initiative to improve the quality of domestically manufactured products, curbing the inflow of sub-standard imports, and ensuring the safety of consumers. DPIIT’s focus on key products and the development of new QCOs underline its commitment to quality across sectors.
Conclusion: The DPIIT’s recent notification of Quality Control Orders for Solar DC Cable, Fire Survival Cable, and Cast Iron Products marks a significant step towards achieving quality excellence in India. With these regulations, the government aims to elevate manufacturing standards, protect consumers, promote ‘Made in India’ products, and contribute to the larger vision of an “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”. These QCOs are not just regulatory measures; they represent the foundation of a quality-driven ecosystem that will propel India’s reputation in the global market.
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Ministry of Commerce & Industry
DPIIT notifies Quality Control Orders for ‘Solar DC Cable and Fire Survival Cable’ and ‘Cast Iron Products’
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry has recently notified 2 more new Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for ‘Solar DC Cable and Fire Survival Cable’ and ‘Cast Iron Products’, on 25th August, 2023, which will come into force from six months from the date of notification.
Solar DC Cable and Fire Survival Cable (Quality Control) Order, 2023 includes Electric Cable for Photovoltaic Systems which are primarily used for the interconnection of the various elements of photovoltaic systems such as solar panel arrays. These cables can be used indoor and outdoor for flexible and fixed installations with high mechanical strength in extreme weather conditions. Fire Survival Cable are designed to sustain the high temperatures for a defined minimum period of time under direct fire. It is used in Nuclear power plants, Airports, Metro Rails, Refineries, High rise buildings, Shopping malls and cinema theatres etc.
Cast Iron Products (Quality Control) Order, 2023 includes standards pertaining to various cast iron products such as manhole covers, Cast iron pipe, Malleable iron fittings, and Grey iron castings.
Prior to the notification of the QCOs, extensive stakeholder consultations with key industry associations and industry members were conducted for their inputs. The draft QCOs were then approved by the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry followed by legal vetting by the Department of Legislative Affairs. Subsequently, the QCOs were uploaded on the World Trade Organisation (WTO) website for 60 days, inviting comments from WTO member countries.
In order to safeguard the domestic small/micro industries, ensure smooth implementation of the QCO and Ease of Doing Business, relaxations have been granted to small/micro industries in terms of timelines in the Cast Iron Products (Quality Control) Order.
With the implementation of the QCOs, manufacturing, storing and sale of non-Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certified products will be prohibited as per the BIS Act, 2016. The violation of the provision of the BIS Act can attract a penalty of imprisonment upto two years or with fine of at least Rs 2 lakh for the first offence. In case of second and subsequent offences, the fine will increase to Rs 5 lakh minimum and extend up to ten times the value of goods or articles.
Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, while emphasizing on the importance of manufacturing quality products said –“With our people’s ability and the nation’s credibility, Indian products of top quality will travel far and wide. This will also be a true tribute to the ethos of Aatmanirbhar Bharat- a force multiplier for global prosperity”.
In pursuance to the same, DPIIT is on a mission mode to establish a quality control regime in the country for the industrial sectors under its domain. QCOs shall not only improve the manufacturing quality standards in the country but also enhance the brand and value of ‘Made in India’ products. These initiatives, coupled with development testing labs, product manuals, accreditation of test labs etc. shall aid in the development of a quality ecosystem in India.
The Standard issued for any product is for voluntary compliance unless it is notified by the Central Government to make it mandatory primarily through notification of Quality Control Order (QCO) under Scheme-I and Compulsory Registration Order (CRO) under Scheme-II of BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018. The objective of notifying the QCOs is to enhance quality of the domestically manufactured products, curb the imports of sub-standard products into India, prevention of unfair trade practices, protection of human, animal or plant health and safety of the environment.
DPIIT is focusing on establishing a quality control regime for its key products such as smart meters, welding rods & electrodes, Cookware and Utensils, Fire Extinguishers, Electric Ceiling Type Fans and Domestic Gas Stoves for use with Piped Natural Gas etc.
DPIIT in continuous consultation with BIS and stakeholders has been identifying key products for requiring implementation of QCO. This has led to the initiation of development of 60 new QCOs covering 318 product standards.
The implementation of the QCOs for these products is crucial not only for safety of the consumers, but it will also improve the manufacturing quality standards in the country and curb the imports of sub-standard products into India. These initiatives, coupled with development quality testing labs, product manuals etc. will aid in the development of a quality ecosystem in India.
With the aforementioned initiatives, the Government of India aims to develop world-class products of good quality in India, thereby fulfilling the Prime Ministers’ vision of creating an “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”.
