Government Implements Quality Control Measures To Safeguard Indian Steel Markets
In a proactive move to safeguard the Indian steel industry from substandard products, the Ministry of Steel has introduced a Quality Control Order (QCO) covering 145 Indian Standards on steel and steel products. The new regulation aims to ensure that both domestic and foreign producers adhere to specific quality standards, preventing the entry of inferior steel into the Indian markets.
Minister of State for Steel, Faggan Singh Kulaste, shared this crucial information in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Monday. The government's proactive stance underscores its commitment to maintaining the quality and integrity of the Indian steel industry, fostering growth and protecting consumers.
The QCO mandates strict conformity to the relevant Indian Standards for all steel and steel products entering the market. This conformity is to be verified through compulsory certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The order encompasses various steel grades, including plain carbon steel, alloy steel, and stainless steel.
Under the Quality Control Order, no steel or steel products will be allowed to enter the Indian market without the BIS Standard Mark under a valid BIS License. This enforcement aligns with the provisions outlined in Section 17 of the BIS Act of 2016.
The BIS Licence, issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards, is granted to both domestic and foreign manufacturers after a thorough assessment of their manufacturing and testing infrastructure. The licence is only awarded after ensuring that the product conforms to the relevant Indian Standard. Subsequently, each consignment of material, whether produced domestically or imported, must bear the BIS Standard Mark.
To maintain the integrity of the quality standards, BIS conducts regular checks through factory inspections and market surveillance. These measures are essential to ensure that steel products comply with the stipulated standards continuously. In the event of any violations of the Quality Control Order, BIS will undertake enforcement activities.
