On October 17, 2023, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), issued the Copper Products (Quality Control) Order, 2023. This regulation, enacted under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016, is aimed at ensuring the quality and safety of Solid drawn copper and copper alloy tubes for condensers and heat exchangers, in alignment with Indian Standards. 

Key Provisions of the Copper Products (Quality Control) Order, 2023 

 1.Title and Implementation Timeline

Officially titled the Copper Products (Quality Control) Order, 2023, the initial timeline was: For large-scale enterprises, the order will be implemented six months, for small enterprises, compliance is required within nine and for micro enterprises, the implementation timeline was twelve months. 

To provide additional time for compliance, the Ministry issued the Copper Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024. The amendment specifies revised implementation timelines for different categories of enterprises:

• Large-scale enterprises: Compliance required by October 19, 2024.
• Small enterprises: Compliance required by January 19, 2025.
• Micro enterprises: Compliance required by April 19, 2025. 

2. Mandatory BIS Certification

The order mandates that Solid drawn copper and copper alloy tubes for condensers and heat exchangers conform to Indian Standard IS 1545: 1994.

·       A BIS license is required for manufacturers to affix the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) on copper wire rods.

·       This regulation does not apply to goods manufactured solely for export purposes. 

3. Certifying and Enforcement Authority

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has been designated as the certifying and enforcement authority. BIS will oversee the issuance of licenses and monitor compliance to ensure that only BIS-certified copper wire rods with the Standard Mark are manufactured, imported, or sold in the domestic market.

 4. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Any person who violates the provisions of this order will be subject to penalties as specified under the BIS Act, 2016. 

This regulatory framework highlights the government’s commitment to improving the quality and reliability of Solid drawn copper and copper alloy tubes for condensers and heat exchangers in India. By mandating conformity to IS 1545: 1994 and extending phased timelines for enterprises, the regulation ensures a balanced approach to quality assurance and industry readiness. 

Stay compliant and prepare your business for these important regulatory changes to continue operating within the guidelines of the industry!

Implementation Dates: Date of implementation for Medium & Large-Scale Enterprises: 19th October 2024

·    Date of implementation for Small Enterprises: 19th January 2025.

Date of implementation for Micro Enterprises: 19th April 2025.

BIS Certification for Solid Drawn Copper and Copper Alloy Tubes for Condensers and Heat Exchangers IS 1545: 1994