Copper Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026 | Temporary Relaxation for Inner Grooved Copper Tubes
The Government of India has introduced an important regulatory amendment under the Copper Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026, providing temporary relief to manufacturers operating in the air conditioning and refrigeration sector. This amendment has generated significant attention among manufacturers, importers, OEMs, and compliance professionals because it temporarily relaxes the application of the Quality Control Order (QCO) for a specific copper product used in HVAC manufacturing.
However, many businesses are misunderstanding this notification as a complete exemption from BIS requirements. In reality, the amendment does not withdraw the Copper Products Quality Control Order, nor does it eliminate the need for quality compliance. Instead, it offers a limited and time-bound relaxation for the import of Inner Grooved Copper Tubes conforming to IS 10773:2025, subject to prescribed conditions and quantity limits.
For manufacturers involved in air conditioners, refrigeration equipment, cooling systems, and HVAC components, understanding this amendment is essential. Companies that fail to interpret the notification correctly may face compliance issues once the relaxation period ends.
What is the Copper Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026?
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) issued the Copper Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026 through S.O. 3503(E) dated 30 June 2026.
The amendment modifies the existing Copper Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024 by introducing a temporary exemption for a specific copper product imported for use in manufacturing air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. The objective is to support the HVAC industry by ensuring uninterrupted availability of critical raw materials while manufacturers continue preparing for full compliance under the BIS Quality Control framework.
This is a conditional and temporary relaxation, not a permanent exemption from BIS regulations.
Why Was This Amendment Introduced?
The air conditioning and refrigeration industry relies heavily on high-quality copper tubes for manufacturing condensers, evaporators, and heat exchangers. As demand for HVAC products continues to grow, manufacturers require a stable supply of specialised copper tubes.
To avoid disruptions in production and supply chains, the Government has allowed manufacturers to continue importing a specified copper product for a limited period while maintaining the broader objectives of quality assurance under the QCO framework.
The amendment aims to -
- Support uninterrupted manufacturing of air conditioners and refrigeration equipment.
- Prevent supply chain disruptions.
- Provide manufacturers additional time for compliance planning.
- Ensure gradual implementation of quality control requirements.
- Maintain industrial growth without compromising long-term product quality.
What Has Changed Under the Amendment?
The amendment introduces a temporary import relaxation under the existing Copper Products Quality Control Order.
Instead of applying the Quality Control Order immediately to all imports of the specified product, the Government has provided a limited exemption for eligible manufacturers importing Inner Grooved Copper Tubes that conform to IS 10773:2025 for use in manufacturing air conditioners and refrigeration equipment.
It is important to understand that -
- The Copper Products Quality Control Order remains in force.
- BIS quality requirements have not been withdrawn.
- The relaxation applies only to the specified product.
- The benefit is available only for eligible manufacturers and only within the prescribed conditions.
- The relaxation is valid only for a limited period ending on 30 November 2026, unless further amended by the Government.
Products Covered Under the Amendment
The Copper Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026 does not apply to all copper products. The temporary relaxation is specifically available for one notified product used in the air conditioning and refrigeration industry.
Product Covered
- Inner Grooved Copper Tubes
Applicable Indian Standard
- IS 10773:2025 – Wrought Copper Tubes for Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Purposes
These specially designed copper tubes are widely used in the manufacturing of -
- Air Conditioners
- Refrigeration Equipment
- Condensers
- Evaporators
- Heat Exchangers
- HVAC Systems
- Refrigeration Components
- Cooling Equipment
The amendment is applicable only when these tubes are imported for manufacturing air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, products, sub-assemblies, or components in India. Imports for trading or any other purpose are not covered under this temporary exemption.
Understanding IS 10773:2025
IS 10773:2025 is the latest Indian Standard applicable to wrought copper tubes used in refrigeration and air-conditioning applications.
These tubes play a critical role in HVAC systems because they -
- Carry refrigerant efficiently.
- Withstand high operating pressure.
- Offer excellent thermal conductivity.
- Resist corrosion.
- Improve cooling efficiency.
- Support long service life.
Since these tubes directly affect the safety, performance, and energy efficiency of air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment, they fall under the BIS Quality Control framework. Manufacturers are therefore expected to use products that comply with the applicable Indian Standard.
Who Can Avail This Temporary Relaxation?
The benefit of the amendment is not available to everyone.
It is specifically intended for manufacturers who import Inner Grooved Copper Tubes for use in manufacturing air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment in India.
The relaxation is available where the imported tubes are used in -
- Air Conditioner manufacturing
- Refrigeration equipment manufacturing
- HVAC products
- Sub-assemblies
- Components used in cooling systems
This exemption is not meant for traders, distributors, stockists, or importers bringing the product for resale.
Import Quantity Restriction – The 50% Rule
One of the most important conditions introduced by the amendment is the restriction on import quantity.
Eligible manufacturers can import Inner Grooved Copper Tubes under this relaxation only up to 50% of the average quantity imported during Financial Years 2024–25 and 2025–26.
Example
Suppose a manufacturer imported -
- FY 2024–25: 1,000 MT
- FY 2025–26: 800 MT
Average import quantity:
(1000 + 800) ÷ 2 = 900 MT
Maximum quantity allowed under the temporary relaxation -
50% × 900 = 450 MT
Any import beyond this limit will not qualify for the exemption provided under the amendment.
Validity of the Temporary Relaxation
The exemption is strictly time-bound. The amendment is effective from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette and remains valid up to 30 November 2026.
After 30 November 2026, manufacturers should expect the normal provisions of the Copper Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024 to apply unless the Government issues another amendment or extension.
Businesses should therefore treat this period as a transition window and complete their compliance planning well before the exemption expires.
Documentation and Record-Keeping Requirements
The temporary exemption is linked to strict compliance conditions.
Manufacturers availing the relaxation must -
- Maintain month-wise records of imported quantities.
- Preserve complete import documentation.
- Keep records readily available for verification by the concerned Government authority.
- Furnish the required information on the manufacturer's official letterhead, signed by an authorised signatory, whenever requested.
Failure to maintain proper records may result in loss of the exemption and regulatory action under the applicable Quality Control Order.
Why This Amendment Matters for the Industry
The amendment provides temporary operational relief to manufacturers that rely on imported Inner Grooved Copper Tubes while continuing India's long-term objective of strengthening product quality through mandatory BIS compliance.
For the air-conditioning and refrigeration sector, the amendment helps -
- Reduce the risk of production disruptions.
- Maintain continuity in manufacturing operations.
- Allow time to transition to compliant supply chains.
- Support capacity planning and procurement.
- Encourage manufacturers to prepare for full compliance before the exemption period ends.
Impact on Manufacturers, Importers, and the HVAC Industry
The Copper Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026 provides short-term operational relief to manufacturers in the air conditioning and refrigeration sector. However, businesses should not interpret this amendment as a permanent exemption from BIS compliance.
Manufacturers importing Inner Grooved Copper Tubes under IS 10773:2025 can continue their production activities during the temporary relaxation period, provided they comply with all prescribed conditions, including import quantity limits and documentation requirements. This helps prevent disruptions in the supply chain while giving businesses additional time to align with India's quality control framework.
For importers and OEMs, the amendment offers an opportunity to review procurement strategies, evaluate suppliers, and prepare for full compliance once the temporary exemption expires. Companies that proactively plan their compliance activities will be better positioned to avoid delays, regulatory issues, and production interruptions after 30 November 2026.
What Should Businesses Do During the Relaxation Period?
Instead of treating the amendment as a long-term solution, manufacturers should use this transition period to strengthen their compliance systems. Businesses should consider the following actions -
- Review whether the imported copper tubes fall under IS 10773:2025.
- Verify eligibility for the temporary exemption before placing import orders.
- Monitor import quantities to ensure they remain within the prescribed limit.
- Maintain complete documentation, import records, and declarations.
- Stay updated with future notifications issued by DPIIT and BIS.
- Develop a roadmap for full compliance with the Copper Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024.
Early preparation can reduce compliance risks and help ensure uninterrupted manufacturing operations after the exemption period ends.
How EVTL India Can Help
Understanding amendments to Quality Control Orders and implementing BIS compliance can be challenging, especially for manufacturers dealing with imported raw materials and regulated products.
EVTL India provides end-to-end consultancy services for BIS Certification and regulatory compliance across multiple industries, including electrical products, electronics, construction materials, metals, chemicals, and engineering products.
Our services include -
- BIS Certification Consultancy
- ISI Mark Certification Support
- Product Testing Coordination
- Applicable Indian Standard Identification
- Documentation Preparation and Review
- QCO Compliance Advisory
- Import Compliance Assistance
- Factory Inspection Support
- Licence Application Management
- Renewal and Post-Certification Compliance
- Regulatory Updates and Ongoing Consultation
Our team works closely with manufacturers, importers, OEMs, brand owners, MSMEs, and foreign manufacturers to simplify the certification process and help businesses achieve timely regulatory approvals.
Conclusion
The Copper Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026 is a significant regulatory development for India's air conditioning and refrigeration industry. By providing a temporary and conditional relaxation for the import of Inner Grooved Copper Tubes conforming to IS 10773:2025, the Government aims to support manufacturing continuity while maintaining the long-term objective of product quality and standardisation.
It is important to understand that this amendment does not replace or withdraw the Copper Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024. Instead, it provides a limited transition period subject to specific eligibility conditions, import quantity restrictions, and documentation requirements. Manufacturers should therefore use this opportunity to strengthen their compliance processes and prepare for the resumption of the full Quality Control Order after the exemption period.
If your business requires guidance on BIS Certification, Quality Control Orders, ISI Mark Certification, or regulatory compliance, EVTL India offers comprehensive consultancy services to help you navigate the certification process efficiently and confidently.
Contact EVTL India – Your Trusted BIS Certification Consultant
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