NEWS
Corrigendum to Quality Control Order (QCO) for Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Products – Implementation Date Extended
A Comprehensive Overview
India has been taking progressive steps towards enhancing the quality ecosystem for both domestic production and imported goods. One such initiative by the Government of India is the introduction of Quality Control Orders (QCOs) under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act. These QCOs are aimed at ensuring that products made available in the Indian market—whether produced locally or imported—meet prescribed quality and safety benchmarks.
In line with this vision, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), issued a Quality Control Order for Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Products, titled “Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Products (Quality Control) Order, 2025.” This order was originally published in the e-Gazette on May 6, 2025, and intended to come into force from April 1, 2025.
However, considering industry preparedness, operational adjustments, and stakeholder representations, the government has now issued a corrigendum to revise the effective date of implementation. The updated notification, published on June 16, 2025, pushes the enforcement date by a full year.
Key Highlights
– The corrigendum pertains to the amendment of the implementation date of the original QCO.
– As per the revised notification, the enforcement date of the QCO has been changed from “April 1, 2025” to “April 1, 2026.”
– The change appears under Column (6) of the QCO table, which generally refers to the date from which the order becomes applicable to specific product categories.
– The Ministry’s notification has been published in the Extraordinary Gazette of India, giving it full legal authority.
– The amendment is minimal in form but significant in impact, as it provides crucial breathing space for stakeholders to prepare for regulatory compliance.
Products Covered
The original QCO applies to a broad range of aluminum and aluminum alloy products, which are widely used across industries such as construction, automotive, aerospace, packaging, and electrical equipment. While the exact list is detailed in the original BIS documentation, the QCO generally covers the following:
– Aluminum Sheets, Coils, and Plates
– Aluminum Foils
– Aluminum Rods, Bars, and Wires
– Aluminum Extrusions and Structural Profiles
These products must conform to designated Indian Standards (IS codes) notified by the Bureau of Indian Standards. Manufacturers and importers will need to secure BIS certification and display the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) on the products before offering them for sale in India.
Exemptions Provided
While the corrigendum does not introduce or modify any exemptions, it is essential to understand the general exemption criteria that often apply to QCOs. These may include:
– Exports
– Defense and Aerospace Use
– R&D and Prototypes
– Custom-made Parts for OEMs
Manufacturers and importers should consult the relevant BIS guidelines or seek clarification from the Ministry to determine if they qualify for any exemption.
Timeline for Implementation
The timeline for the QCO implementation has undergone a key change as follows:
– Original Gazette Notification Date: May 6, 2025
– Initial Effective Date (before corrigendum): April 1, 2025
– Revised Effective Date (post corrigendum): April 1, 2026
This one-year extension reflects the government’s intent to balance regulatory enforcement with practical implementation capacity.
Next Steps for Manufacturers & Importers
Manufacturers and importers must now strategically plan to meet the QCO compliance by the new deadline of April 1, 2026. Recommended steps include:
1. Study Applicable Standards
2. Initiate Certification Process
3. Upgrade Quality Systems
4. Coordinate with Suppliers
5. Labeling and Marking Compliance
6. Consult Experts
Early adoption not only ensures uninterrupted market access but also demonstrates commitment to quality.
Conclusion
The corrigendum to the “Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Products (Quality Control) Order, 2025” serves as a strategic regulatory pause by the Indian government. By extending the enforcement deadline by one year, the Ministry has recognized the legitimate concerns of the industry while maintaining its focus on quality assurance.
Manufacturers, importers, and distributors now have a golden opportunity to proactively prepare for compliance, align their systems with global quality benchmarks, and position themselves competitively in a quality-conscious marketplace.
The message is clear: Quality is non-negotiable, but compliance can be managed with planning and foresight.