Under the BIS Act, Indian ministries issue Quality Control Orders (QCOs) that make specified products compulsorily certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards. Covered products must conform to the relevant Indian Standard and carry the Standard Mark (ISI mark) under a BIS licence. Aluminium and aluminium alloy products, such as certain ingots, wrought products, foil and conductors, have been brought under QCOs, with specific Indian Standards, effective dates and exemptions for each.
Why it matters when buying
- Buying or importing a notified product from a supplier without a valid BIS licence can leave goods stuck at customs or unsaleable.
- Ask suppliers for their BIS licence number and check it covers the exact product, grade and manufacturing unit.
- Notified Indian Standards define chemistry and properties; compare them with your own spec and the mill test certificate.
- Some QCOs have exemptions or relaxations, for example for MSMEs or export-oriented units; confirm the current position.
Notes
QCO lists and dates are amended from time to time, so check the latest notification on the BIS website or with a compliance adviser before placing large orders. See aluminium products and HSN code.