Welding Rods & Electrodes Quality Control Order 2023: Compliance & Standards

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, has issued The Welding Rods and Electrodes (Quality Control) Order, 2023. This order aims to establish quality control measures for welding rods and electrodes in the public interest. It outlines the compulsory use of standard marks and the certification authority responsible for enforcing compliance. Understanding and adhering to the standards specified in this order is essential for manufacturers, exporters, and enterprises operating in the welding industry.

The Welding Rods and Electrodes Quality Control Order 2023 mandates that goods or articles falling under its purview must conform to the corresponding Indian Standards and bear the Standard Mark under a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). However, certain exemptions apply for goods manufactured domestically for export purposes or by small enterprises meeting specific criteria. The BIS serves as the certifying and enforcing authority for these goods. Non-compliance with the provisions of this order may result in penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(Department For Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade)
ORDER
New Delhi, the 14th July, 2023

S.O. 3153(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, 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 Welding Rods and Electrodes (Quality Control) Order, 2023.

(2) It shall come into force with effect from six months from the date of publication of this notification:

Provided that for Small Enterprises, as defined under The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006 (27 of 2006), it shall come into force with effect from nine months from the date of publication of this notification.

Provided that for Micro Enterprises, as defined under The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006 (27 of 2006), it shall come into force with effect from twelve months from the date of publication of this notification.

2. Compulsory use of Standard Marks.- Goods or articles specified in the column (1) of the Table below 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 as per Scheme-1 of Schedule-II of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018:

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

Provided further that nothing in this Order shall apply to goods or articles manufactured domestically by an enterprise, registered under “Udyam portal” of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, wherein the investment in plant and machinery or equipment at original cost does not exceed twenty-five lakh and the turnover does not exceed two crore rupees for the previous financial year as certified by a Chartered Accountant.

3. Certification and enforcing authority.- The Bureau shall be the certifying and enforcing authority for the goods or articles specified in the column (1) of the said 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 issues thereof, as notified by the Bureau of Indian Standards from time to time shall apply from the date of such notification.

[F. No. P-29026/9/2022-LEI]

SANJIV, Jt. Secy.