In a significant move to enhance product quality and safety in critical sectors like agriculture and infrastructure, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) has issued the Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy Products (Quality Control) Order, 2025. This order, notified on 5th May 2025, replaces the earlier QCO of 2024 and will come into effect from 1st October 2025.

This regulation mandates the compliance for Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloy sheet and strip for general engineering purposes, which must now conform to the Indian Standard IS 737:2008. This mandate falls under the larger regulatory framework of the BIS Quality Control Order (QCO), administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The BIS QCO for Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloy sheet and strip for general engineering purposes is aimed at safeguarding public interest by ensuring that only high-quality and standardized products are made available in the market.

Key Provisions of the Order

1. Compulsory Use of ISI Mark

Under this Quality Control Order, Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloy sheet and strip for general engineering purposes must:

This ensures that the products meet essential quality parameters, including strength, durability, corrosion resistance, and suitability for use in irrigation systems.

2. Implementation Timeline

The BIS QCO for Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloy sheet and strip for general engineering purposes will be implemented in a phased manner based on the size of the enterprise:

This phased rollout is designed to allow smaller businesses sufficient time to align their production and quality control processes with BIS standards.

3. Exemptions

To support innovation and research, the Order provides an exemption for limited imports:

4. Export Exemption

Products manufactured solely for export purposes are exempt from this QCO, ensuring Indian manufacturers remain competitive in international markets without facing additional domestic certification requirements.

Certification and Enforcement

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the designated certifying and enforcing authority for this Order. Manufacturers of Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloy sheet and strip for general engineering purposes must obtain BIS certification to sell their products in the Indian market legally.

The presence of the ISI Mark for Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloy sheet and strip for general engineering purposes packaging and product surfaces will serve as proof of compliance. Any individual or company found violating the provisions of this QCO will be liable to penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. These may include fines, legal proceedings, and potential restrictions on the sale or distribution of non-compliant products.

Conclusion

The BIS Quality Control Order for Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloy sheet and strip for general engineering purposes underscores the government’s commitment to quality assurance in vital sectors, such as agriculture. The move not only enhances the credibility of Indian manufacturing but also ensures the safety, reliability, and long-term performance of products used in irrigation infrastructure.

For manufacturers, early compliance with the BIS certification for Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloy sheet and strip for general engineering purposes is crucial—not just to meet legal obligations, but also to build trust with customers and stakeholders through quality assurance and regulatory conformity.