Miscellaneous Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2023

On September 25, 2023, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, under the powers vested by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, introduced the “Miscellaneous Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2023.” This order serves as a crucial step in ensuring the quality and adherence to standards of miscellaneous steel products in the Indian market.

Short Title and Commencement:  Officially known as the “Miscellaneous Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2023.” It becomes effective six months from the date of publication in the Official Gazette, providing stakeholders with ample time to prepare for compliance.

Compulsory Use of Standard Mark: Goods or articles listed in the Table must comply with the corresponding Indian Standard mentioned in the Table. Manufacturers of these products are required to obtain a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and bear the Standard Mark. This compliance process aligns with Scheme-1 of Schedule-II of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

Application to Micro and Small Enterprises: The order acknowledges the importance of accommodating micro and small enterprises. It provides different timelines for compliance:

• For micro-enterprises, it comes into force twelve months from the date of publication.
• For small enterprises, it becomes effective nine months from the date of publication.

Certifying 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. BIS plays a pivotal role in ensuring adherence to quality standards in the production of miscellaneous steel products.

Penalty for Contravention: The order enforces penalties for any contravention. Individuals or entities found violating its provisions will face punishment in accordance with the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

The Comprehensive Table: The Table attached to the order lists various miscellaneous steel products and their corresponding Indian Standard titles. These products encompass a diverse range, including steel cylinder pipes, high-strength deformed stainless steel bars, steel pipe flanges, and stainless steel tubes for the food and beverage industry.

Application of Latest Standards: The order specifies that the latest versions of Indian Standards, along with any amendments notified by the Bureau of Indian Standards, shall apply for compliance purposes.

Conclusion: The Miscellaneous Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2023, introduced by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is a significant stride in upholding the quality and standards of miscellaneous steel products in India. By mandating the use of Standard Marks and appointing BIS as the certifying authority, this order aims to enhance the overall quality of these products in the domestic market. Manufacturers, suppliers, and stakeholders in the steel industry must diligently adhere to the provisions of this order to avoid penalties and contribute to a quality-driven steel sector. This initiative not only assures the safety and reliability of miscellaneous steel products but also bolsters India’s steel industry on the global stage.

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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. 4240(E).—In exercise of the powers conferred by section 16 read 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 Miscellaneous Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2023.

(2) It shall come into force on the expiry of six months from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette:

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

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

Provided further that in relation to micro enterprises, as defined in clauses (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 months from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette:

Provided also that in relation to small enterprises, as defined in clauses (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 months from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette.

3. Certification and enforcement authority.- The Bureau of Indian Standard shall be the certifying and enforcing authority for the goods or articles specified in the Column (1) of the below Table.

4. Penalty for Contravention. – Any person who contravenes the provisions of this order shall be punishable in accordance with 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-29026/24/2023-LEI]

SANJIV, Jt. Secy.