New Delhi (Agency): In a significant stride towards fortifying the quality and competitiveness of non-ferrous metals, the Ministry of Mines has introduced three pivotal Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for seven essential metal items. These directives, set to take effect three months from the notification date, establish a formidable quality control ecosystem within the non-ferrous metals sector.
The recently announced QCOs mark a milestone as the inaugural technical regulations to emanate from the Ministry of Mines under the aegis of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act. These regulations are poised to reshape the landscape of metal production, import, and trade in the nation.
The most noteworthy of these QCOs is geared towards Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys, where mandatory certification under the relevant Indian Standards (IS) becomes imperative for both domestic production and imports. This QCO spans a spectrum encompassing aluminium and aluminium alloy (ingots and casting), high-purity primary aluminium ingot, aluminium alloy ingots for bearings, primary aluminium ingots for remelting, and aluminium ingots, billets, and wire bars (EC grade). Furthermore, the two additional QCOs establish pertinent IS standards for copper and nickel powder.
These landmark QCOs are the culmination of a meticulous process that involves extensive consultations with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), industry associations, and stakeholders. The draft QCOs were made accessible on both the website of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Ministry’s platform for a 60-day duration, inviting inputs from member countries and stakeholders. After necessary refinements and approvals, these regulations were endorsed by the Union Minister of Mines and subjected to rigorous vetting by the Legislative Department.
The Ministry of Mines, in its pursuit of enhancing the quality control framework for the non-ferrous metals sector, remains deeply engaged with BIS. The objective is to draft additional QCOs encompassing upstream products, thereby encompassing refined metals in the non-ferrous metal value chain.
These QCOs yield multifaceted advantages for the industry and the nation at large. By mandating the adherence to specified standards, these regulations effectively curtail the influx of sub-standard metal products through imports. Unfair trade practices are consequently curbed, and a consistent supply of high-quality products to domestic consumers, including industrial users, is ensured. The ascendancy of these QCOs assures a superior caliber of aluminium, copper, and nickel, consequently fortifying the industrial landscape.
Intriguingly, the implementation of these QCOs bolsters India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative on a global stage. By aligning with international standards, the ‘Make in India’ brand gains enhanced credibility, further bolstering the nation’s presence in the international market.
The unveiling of these QCOs finds resonance within the broader objectives of the Ministry of Mines, resonating with the Prime Minister’s vision of an Atma Nirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). The comprehensive approach taken by the Ministry, involving meticulous consultations, regulatory scrutiny, and strategic implementation, underscores the government’s commitment to elevating the nation’s industrial prowess.
