The Ministry of Mines has officially notified the Refined Zinc (Quality Control) Order, 2025, reinforcing the government’s commitment to standardization and quality assurance in key industrial materials. The order was published on 17th April 2025 and aims to regulate the quality of refined zinc used across various sectors in India. 

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

Refined Zinc is an essential metal widely used in galvanization, die-casting alloys, construction materials, and various industrial coatings. Recognizing its critical role in infrastructure, automotive, and manufacturing industries, the government has introduced this order to ensure that only zinc meeting national quality benchmarks is permitted in the domestic market.

Under this regulation, all refined zinc products must conform to Indian Standard IS 209:2024 and bear the Standard Mark issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This move helps safeguard consumer interests, promote product consistency, and reduce the risks associated with substandard materials. 

Implementation Date

The Refined Zinc (Quality Control) Order, 2025, shall come into force six months from the date of its publication. Accordingly, it will be effective from 17th October 2025.

Scope of the Order

• The order applies to all goods or articles classified as Refined Zinc for domestic use.
• It does not apply to refined zinc that is manufactured exclusively for export. 

Mandatory Standard Mark

To comply with this order, refined zinc must meet the technical and chemical specifications outlined in Indian Standard IS 209:2024. The product must also display the BIS Standard Mark, which can only be used under a valid license issued in accordance with Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

The Standard Mark serves as a symbol of quality, compliance, and trust, assuring users that the material adheres to recognized safety and performance standards. 

Enforcement Authority

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has been designated as the certifying and enforcement authority under this order. BIS is responsible for issuing licenses, conducting inspections, and taking appropriate action against non-compliance. 

Non-Compliance and Penalties

Any violation of this Quality Control Order may lead to penalties as per the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. Depending on the nature and extent of the infringement, this includes the possibility of fines, license cancellation, or other legal consequences.

Conclusion

The Refined Zinc (Quality Control) Order, 2025, is a strategic move to enhance the reliability, durability, and safety of products that rely on zinc as a raw material. By mandating conformity to IS 209:2024, the order aligns Indian industrial practices with global quality benchmarks and contributes to the growth of a safer, more competitive manufacturing ecosystem. 

Stakeholders, including manufacturers, importers, stockists, and end-users, are advised to complete the necessary certification processes before the enforcement date of 17 October 2025 to ensure smooth market operations and regulatory compliance.