Metals and Alloys
Aluminum Ingots, Billets and Wire Bars (EC GRADE)
Strategic Recommendations for IS 4026:2023 (EC-Grade Aluminium)
- Begin BIS Certification Immediately
Align production and documentation to IS 4026 and complete licensing before 01 Dec 2024. - Consult Compliance Professionals (ERA)
Partner with the ERA Compliance Team to handle BIS application, lab coordination, and ISI mark artwork. - Reach Out for Support
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
For help with licence scope, test plans, and inspection readiness. - Track QCO Amendments & Exemptions
Stay updated on Gazette changes (commencement moved to 01 Dec 2024) via the ERA NEWSLETTER. - Ensure Marking & Declarations
Ensure every ingot/billet/wire bar carries the ISI mark with batch/heat traceability and test certificates before sale or import.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Aluminium ingots, billets and wire bars (EC GRADE). |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 4026:2023. |
| Title of Indian Standard | Aluminium ingots, billets and wire bars (EC GRADE). |
| Quality Control Order | Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys (Quality Control) Order, 2023. |
| Notification & Amendments | Notified via S.O. 3846(E), dated 31 Aug 2023; 1st Amendment: S.O. 5090(E), dated 30 Nov 2023 (commencement → 01 Jun 2024); 2nd Amendment: S.O. 1902(E), dated 03 May 2024 (commencement → 01 Dec 2024). |
| Final Enforcement Date | 1 December 2024 (as per 2024 Amendment) |
| Objective & Scope | Mandates BIS certification and ISI marking for EC-grade aluminium ingots, billets and wire bars under IS 4026 to ensure quality and safety; licensing under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. |
| Products Covered | EC-grade aluminium ingots, billets and wire bars conforming to IS 4026:2023. |
| Exemptions | Goods/articles meant exclusively for export are exempt from the QCO. |
| Industries Impacted | Primary aluminium producers, EC-grade billet/wire bar manufacturers, conductor & cable makers, electrical equipment and engineering casting units, importers & traders. |
| Mandatory Compliance | Conformity to IS 4026:2023; compulsory Standard Mark (ISI) under a BIS licence in accordance with Scheme-I. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS licence; complete testing in BIS-recognised labs; ensure ISI marking before sale/import; align procurement and contracts to IS 4026. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Enforced under the BIS Act, 2016; BIS is the certifying and enforcing authority. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Action under the BIS Act, 2016 (e.g., seizure, licence suspension/cancellation, fines and/or imprisonment), as applicable. |
| Conclusion | From 01 Dec 2024, EC-grade aluminium ingots, billets and wire bars must bear the ISI mark under a valid BIS licence to be sold/imported in India; export-only goods remain exempt. |
| References / Annexures | QCO 2023: S.O. 3846(E) [31 Aug 2023]; 1st Amendment: S.O. 5090(E) [30 Nov 2023]; 2nd Amendment: S.O. 1902(E) [03 May 2024]. |
Ready to start your certification journey?
Let us help you navigate regulatory challenges and achieve certification with ease. Leave us your details, and we’ll get back to you—or request a free consultation today.
Get in touch with us today
Notification
The product Aluminium ingots, billets and wire bars (EC GRADE) covered under Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys (Quality Control) Order, 2023 via S.O. 3846(E) on 31 August 2023, listing IS 4026:2023 – Aluminium ingots, billets and wire bars (EC GRADE) among the covered products.
Enforcement Timeline
The commencement was first shifted to 01 June 2024 by S.O. 5090(E) (30 November 2023) and finally to 01 December 2024 by S.O. 1902(E) (3 May 2024).
Overview
IS 4026:2023 specifies requirements for EC-grade (electrical-conductivity grade) aluminium ingots, billets and wire bars, which are critical feedstock for conductors, cables and other electrical applications; the QCO mandates conformity and ISI marking before domestic sale or import.
Objective & Scope
To ensure only BIS-certified EC-grade aluminium products enter Indian supply chains, improving quality, safety and performance across electrical and engineering uses.
Products Covered
Aluminium ingots, billets and wire bars (EC GRADE) conforming to IS 4026:2023.
Exemptions Provided
The Order does not apply to goods/articles manufactured exclusively for export.
Industries Impacted
- Primary aluminium smelters and EC-grade billet/wire bar producers
- Conductor and cable manufacturers; electrical equipment makers
- Engineering casting units; importers and metal traders
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
Products must:
- Conform to IS 4026:2023
- Bear the ISI mark
- Be manufactured/imported under a valid BIS licence (Scheme-I of BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018).
Next Steps for Stakeholders​
- Apply for BIS licence
- Test through BIS-recognised laboratories
- Update supply contracts to require IS 4026 compliance
- Ensure ISI marking on all lots before sale/import.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
Enforced under the BIS Act, 2016 with BIS as the certifying/enforcing authority; non-compliance can invite seizure, fines, licence action and imprisonment as per the Act.
Conclusion
Effective 01 December 2024, EC-grade aluminium ingots, billets and wire bars must comply with IS 4026:2023 and carry the ISI mark under a valid BIS licence for domestic sale/import; export-only consignments are exempt.
Ready to start your certification journey?
Let us help you navigate regulatory challenges and achieve certification with ease. Leave us your details, and we’ll get back to you—or request a free consultation today.