Cast Iron Manhole Covers and Frames

Cast Iron Manhole Covers and Frames QCO Overview

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India, has issued the Cast Iron Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024.

Under this notification, Cast Iron Manhole Covers and Frames covered under IS 1726:1991 have been brought under mandatory BIS certification requirements.

As per the notification, manufacturers of Cast Iron Manhole Covers and Frames shall ensure that their products conform to the requirements of IS 1726:1991 and bear the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid BIS licence granted in accordance with Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

What is IS 1726:1991?

IS 1726:1991 is the Indian Standard titled Cast Iron Manhole Covers and Frames. The standard specifies the requirements relating to the manufacture, classification, dimensions, materials, workmanship, load-bearing capacity, testing, inspection, marking, and quality control of cast iron manhole covers and frames.

The standard ensures that cast iron manhole covers and frames provide adequate strength, durability, impact resistance, dimensional accuracy, and long service life for use in municipal roads, drainage systems, sewerage networks, utility chambers, industrial infrastructure, and other underground public utility applications.

Implementation Dates Under QCO

The Cast Iron Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024 shall be implemented as follows:

Key Requirements Under the QCO

• Products must comply with the requirements specified under IS 1726:1991.
• Manufacturers must obtain a valid BIS licence before selling the product in India.
• Certified products must bear the ISI Mark.
• BIS shall act as the certification and enforcement authority.
• Non-compliance may attract penalties under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

Exemptions Under the Order

The QCO does not apply to:

• Products manufactured domestically for export purposes.
• Goods manufactured by eligible micro enterprises covered under the exemption conditions specified in the Order.
• Products imported up to 200 kilograms per year for research and development purposes, subject to the prescribed conditions and not intended for commercial sale.

Certification and Enforcement Authority

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) shall act as the certification and enforcement authority for Cast Iron Manhole Covers and Frames covered under this Quality Control Order.

Penalty for Non-Compliance

Any manufacturer, importer, distributor, or seller who violates the provisions of this Quality Control Order shall be liable for action under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.