The objective of notification is to enhance quality of the domestically manufactured products, stop the imports of sub-standard products, prevent unfair trade practices, protect human, animal or plant health and safeguard the environment
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry notified two new Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for solar DC cable and fire survival cable and cast-iron products, which will come into force from six months from the date of notification.
Solar DC Cable and Fire Survival Cable (Quality Control) Order, 2023 includes electric cable for photovoltaic systems which are primarily used for the interconnection of the various elements of photovoltaic systems such as solar panel arrays.
These cables can be used indoor and outdoor for flexible and fixed installations with high mechanical strength in extreme weather conditions. Fire survival cable is used in nuclear power plants, airports, metro rails, refineries, high rise buildings, shopping malls and cinema theatres etc.
Cast Iron Products (Quality Control) Order, 2023 includes standards pertaining to various cast iron products such as manhole covers, cast iron pipe, malleable iron fittings, and grey iron castings.
In order to safeguard the domestic small/micro industries, ensure smooth implementation of the QCO and ease of doing business, relaxations have been granted to small/micro industries in terms of timelines in the cast iron products (quality control) order.
With the implementation of the QCOs, manufacturing, storing and sale of non-Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certified products will be prohibited as per the BIS Act, 2016. The violation of the provision of the BIS Act can attract a penalty of imprisonment up to two years or with fine of at least Rs 2 lakh for the first offence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while emphasising on the importance of manufacturing quality products, said, “With our people’s ability and the nation’s credibility, Indian products of top quality will travel far and wide. This will also be a true tribute to the ethos of Aatmanirbhar Bharat- a force multiplier for global prosperity.”
The standard issued for any product is for voluntary compliance unless it is notified by the central government to make it mandatory. The objective of notifying the QCOs is to enhance quality of the domestically manufactured products, stop the imports of sub-standard products, prevent unfair trade practices, protect human, animal or plant health and safeguard the environment.
DPIIT in continuous consultation with BIS and stakeholders has been identifying key products for requiring implementation of QCO. This has led to the initiation of development of 60 new QCOs covering 318 product standards.