Nickel (Quality Control) Order, 2023

On August 31st, 2023, the Ministry of Mines in India released a crucial directive under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. Named as the Nickel (Quality Control) Order, 2023, this order aims to standardize the quality of nickel powder produced within the country. The order mandates the compulsory use of Standard Mark licensed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and sets the BIS as the certifying and enforcing authority. The Nickel (Quality Control) Order, 2023 is to come into effect three months after its publication date.

Applicability: The order explicitly states that it only applies to goods produced for domestic consumption and does not affect goods intended for export. This is critical information for manufacturers who are primarily export-oriented.

Standard Mark Compulsion:  One of the most critical parts of this order is the compulsory use of the Standard Mark. The order requires that nickel powder must conform to the Indian Standard IS 7506:1987, thereby enforcing a uniform quality across all manufacturers. This is a significant move aimed at ensuring high-quality production and protecting consumer interests.

Certifying Authority: The Bureau of Indian Standards is identified as the sole certifying and enforcing authority. This centralization ensures that there is no ambiguity in the application of these standards.

Indian Standards: The order makes it clear that it will keep pace with any new versions of the Indian Standards established by the Bureau from time to time.

Conclusion: The Nickel (Quality Control) Order, 2023 is a progressive step by the Indian Government to standardize the quality of nickel powder in the country. By mandating compliance with Indian Standards and setting the BIS as the certifying authority, the order aims to streamline the quality control process for nickel powder. While this may necessitate some changes in the manufacturing process, the end result is a win-win situation for both producers and consumers, ensuring a uniformly high-quality product in the market. Manufacturers should use the three-month window effectively to adapt their processes, and stay updated with any new standards published by the Bureau.

MINISTRY OF MINES

ORDER

New Delhi, the 31st August, 2023

S.O. 3848(E).—In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-sections (1) and (2) of section 16 read with section 17 and sub-section (3) of section 25 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 (11 of 2016), the Central Government is of the opinion that it is necessary so to do in the public interest and after consulting the Bureau of Indian Standards, hereby makes the following order, namely:—

1. Short title and commencement.—(1) This Order may be called the Nickel (Quality Control) Order, 2023.

(2) This Order shall come into force with effect from three months from the date of publication of this notification.

2. —This Order shall apply in relation to goods or article specified in column (1) of the Table below, but shall not apply to goods or article meant for export.

3. Compulsory use of Standard Mark.—Goods or article specified in the column (1) of the said Table shall conform to the corresponding Indian Standard mentioned in the column (2) therein and shall bear the Standard Mark under a licencefrom the Bureau of Indian Standards in accordance with Scheme-1 of Schedule-II to the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations,

4. Certifying and enforcing authority. —The Bureau of Indian Standards shall be the certifying and enforcing authority for the goods or article specified in the column (1) of the said Table.

TABLE

Note: For the purposes of the Table, it is clarified that the latest version of Indian Standards established and published by the Bureau from time to time in accordance with the provisions of clause (17) of section 2 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 (11 of 2016), shall apply from the date of such publication.

[F. No. 02/20/2023-ES]
SHAKIL ALAM, Economic Adviser (Mines)