The Ministry of Mines has issued the Primary Lead (Quality Control) Order, 2025 to ensure the uniformity and quality of primary lead used in India. This order was officially notified on 17th April 2025 and represents a critical step toward enhancing product reliability and industrial safety. 

What is the Primary Lead (Quality Control) Order, 2025?

Primary Lead is a fundamental metal used in battery manufacturing, cable sheathing, radiation shielding, and various industrial and chemical applications. To regulate the quality of this essential material, the government has made it mandatory for primary lead to comply with the standards laid out by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). 

According to the order, all primary lead products must conform to Indian Standard IS 27:2023 and must carry the Standard Mark under a BIS license. This ensures that only high-purity, high-performance lead products are manufactured or sold in the Indian market. 

Implementation Date

The Primary Lead (Quality Control) Order, 2025, will be enforced six months from its publication. Therefore, the order will be effective from 17th October 2025.

Scope of the Order

• This regulation applies to all forms of Primary Lead made available in the domestic market.
• It does not apply to primary lead that is manufactured strictly for export purposes. 

Mandatory Standard Mark

As per the order, all primary lead must meet the specifications of Indian Standard IS 27:2023. Each unit of primary lead must display the BIS Standard Mark, granted through a license obtained under Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. 

The presence of the Standard Mark assures that the lead meets stringent quality requirements, enhancing consumer confidence and industrial performance. 

Enforcement Authority

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has been designated as the certifying and enforcing authority under this order. BIS will conduct inspections, grant licenses, and ensure compliance with the prescribed standards. 

Non-Compliance and Penalties

Failure to comply with the provisions of this Quality Control Order may attract legal consequences under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This could include revocation of licenses, monetary penalties, or other legal actions as per the severity of the violation.

Conclusion

The Primary Lead (Quality Control) Order, 2025, is a significant policy intervention aimed at promoting quality assurance in key industrial materials. By mandating conformity to IS 27:2023, the government ensures that the use of substandard or unsafe primary lead is eliminated from the market. 

Stakeholders—especially manufacturers, importers, and suppliers—are strongly encouraged to secure BIS certification before the implementation deadline of 17th October 2025 to avoid business disruptions and legal complications. 

This regulation not only boosts product reliability within India but also aligns the country’s industrial standards with global best practices, fostering stronger trade and safer manufacturing environments.