The Ministry of Mines has officially issued the Refined Nickel (Quality Control) Order, 2025. This regulation was published on 17th April 2025, marking an important step towards ensuring the quality of refined nickel used across various industries in India. 

What is the Refined Nickel (Quality Control) Order, 2025?

Refined Nickel is a vital raw material used extensively in stainless steel production, battery manufacturing, aerospace components, and electronics. To enhance safety, product consistency, and performance, the government has introduced a quality control framework through this order.

The order mandates that refined nickel products must conform to specific Indian standards and bear the Standard Mark issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This move ensures that only high-quality, certified refined nickel enters the domestic market. 

Implementation Date

As per the notification, the Refined Nickel (Quality Control) Order, 2025, will come into effect six months from the date of its publication. This means the regulation will be enforced starting from 17th October 2025.

Scope of the Order

• The order applies to all goods or articles classified as Refined Nickel.
• However, it explicitly excludes refined nickel that is intended solely for export purposes. 

Mandatory Standard Mark

In order to comply with the new regulation, Refined Nickel must conform to Indian Standard IS 2782:2023. All such products must be certified and display the Standard Mark under a license issued by BIS. 

This certification will be granted under Scheme I of Schedule II of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. The Standard Mark serves as a guarantee of quality and reliability for both manufacturers and end-users. 

Enforcement Authority

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has been designated as the certifying and enforcing authority for this quality control order. BIS will be responsible for ensuring that only compliant refined nickel products are allowed in the Indian market. 

Non-Compliance and Penalties

Any manufacturer, importer, or seller found violating the provisions of this order may face legal action under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This could include fines, cancellation of licenses, or other penalties deemed appropriate by the authorities.

Conclusion

The Refined Nickel (Quality Control) Order, 2025, aims to elevate the standard of nickel products used in India, thereby improving the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of industrial processes. With the implementation date set for 17th October 2025, stakeholders—including manufacturers, traders, and end-users—are advised to align their operations with the new compliance requirements well in advance. 

This regulation is a significant milestone for the mining, metallurgical, and industrial sectors. Timely preparation and adherence to BIS standards will help ensure uninterrupted business operations and enhance product credibility in both domestic and international markets.