Draft QCO for Aluminium Alloy Miscellaneous Products Certification under BIS Scheme-I

The Government of India, via DPIIT under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, has drafted a Quality Control Order that intends to render these important aluminum-based products as compulsorily BIS-certified items. The draft QCOs, named "Aluminium Alloy Miscellaneous Products (Quality Control) Order, 2025", intend to lay down restrictions regarding the quality of three important products, namely Aluminum Alloy Milk Cans, Aluminium alloy redraw rods for electrical purposes and Aluminum Alloy Hardeners (Master Alloys) under IS 1825, IS 9997 and IS 2047, respectively.

The moment the draft QCO becomes operative, manufacturers, importers, and suppliers will have to ensure adherence to BIS standards, obtain the BIS Certification on Aluminum Alloy Products, and only after such certification shall the sale of said product be considered legal in the Indian market. This article intends to delve into the analysis of the draft QCO and the products covered by it, the time frame for ISI Mark certification, actions to be taken by various stakeholders to comply with it, etc.

Scope of the Draft BIS QCO: Aluminium Alloy Miscellaneous Products

This draft quality control order applies to the three  important Aluminium Alloy Miscellaneous Products (Quality Control) Order, 2025: 

1. Aluminium alloy milk cans

• Indian Standard: IS 1825:1983 
• Title: Specification for Aluminium Alloy Milk Cans
• Use: Used to collect, store, and transport milk in the dairy industry. They are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and durable.

2. Aluminium alloy hardeners (Master Alloys)

• Indian Standard: IS 2047:1992
• Title: Aluminium Alloy Hardeners (Master Alloys) – Specification
• Use: Used in metallurgical applications, aluminium alloy hardeners are used to add alloying elements such as titanium or boron to aluminium that improve the properties, such as strength, grain refinement, or conductivity.

3. Aluminium alloy redraw rods for electrical purposes- IS 9997: 2023

• Indian Standard: IS 9997:2023
• Title: Aluminium Alloy Redraw Rods for Electrical Purposes – Specification
• Use: Aluminium alloy redraw rods are semi-finished products used as feedstock for the manufacture of electrical conductors such as wires and cables.

Legal Basis and Purpose Under Draft QCO

The QCO is issued under sections 16, 17, and 25 of the BIS Act, 2016. It requires the use of the Standard Mark (ISI Certification) on specified products to ensure:

• Product safety 
• Consistent quality 
• Consumer protection
• Alignment of Make in India and Quality

The QCO will also help to eliminate the manufacturing and selling of substandard or fake aluminium products in India. 

Mandatory ISI Mark for Aluminium Alloy Miscellaneous Products

According to the order in draft form: 

• The goods or articles specified in column (2) of the Table must comply with the relevant Indian Standard specified in column (3)... and must bear the BIS Certification from the Bureau.”
• This means that manufacturers must obtain a BIS license under Scheme I of the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018, and apply the ISI mark indicating their goods comply with the standards.

Exemptions Related to Special Provisions Under Drafted QCO

The draft QCO for ISI Mark Certification of  Aluminium Alloy Miscellaneous Products (Quality Control) Order, 2025 states that:

• Exports are Exempt: Products manufactured solely for export are not under this order.
• MSME Concessions: Micro and Small Enterprises are provided with time-bound exemptions to provide time for them to comply.
• Domestic Market only considerations: Only products that will be sold or used in India must carry the ISI mark.

Certification and Enforcement Authority

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) shall serve as the:

• Certifying Authority to issue ISI Certification
• The Enforcement Authority is to ensure that non-conforming goods are not marketed in India.
• BIS will carry out inspections, take samples for testing, and undertake audits of documentation to enforce this order.

Penalty for Non-Compliance

Any manufacturer, importer, or dealer that contravenes the provisions of this order shall be punished under the BIS Act, 2016. This may include:

• Financial penalty
• Suspension or cancellation of the manufacturing licence
• Confiscation of non-compliant items

Steps to Obtain BIS Approval for Aluminium Alloy Miscellaneous

To comply with the new QCO and obtain BIS certification for Aluminium Alloy Miscellaneous Products (Quality Control) Order, 2025, the manufacturers have the following steps to be done by them.

1. Understand the Relevant Indian Standard

A detailed study goes into IS 1825:1983, IS 9997: 2023 or IS 2047:1992
The product specifications and processes must align accordingly

2. Prepare the Manufacturing Facility

Setting up proper testing and quality control procedures
Use systems to ensure traceability of the batches Manufactured
Maintain quality standards of raw materials

3. Sending the Application via the BIS Manakonline Portal

Filing of Form V
Uploading all documents as required (factory layout, quality manual, etc.)
Paying the required fees for application processing

4. Product Testing
Send test samples to a BIS-recognized laboratory for testing purposes
Attach a test report to the application upload screens

5. Factory Inspection by BIS Officials
Inspect the manufacturing, test facilities, and conformity of products.
Non-conformity, if any, shall be rectified before approval.

6. Grant of License and Use of ISI Mark
On the grant of a license, manufacturers are authorized to use the ISI mark on the products certified under the license.
The license is renewable and is subject to periodic surveillance audits.

Benefits of Obtaining BIS Certification for Aluminium Alloy Miscellaneous Products

By conforming to BIS mark under IS 1825, IS 9997 and IS 2047, you will receive multiple benefits:

• Legal Compliance: Avoid fines and disruption to your business
• Improved Product Quality: Following a standard means better consistency
• Market Credibility: The ISI mark provides assurances to your customers
• Entry to Government Orders: Many invitations to tender require BIS
• Export Market Access: Although QCO does not apply to export markets, BIS Certification adds to your credibility, up to 250% in some markets.

How Stakeholders Should Prepare for a BIS License?

With the draft QCO already published, companies should not wait for the MOA to start preparing. The following suggestions for Stakeholders should be considered:

• Review the IS standards and check whether you can comply with them
• Make any improvements in facilities towards attaining certification
• Seek advice from BIS consultants if not aware
• Have discussions; establish partnerships to ensure implementation into practice of the standards
• Closely track BIS and dpiit.gov.in for final publication dates

Conclusion

The Aluminium Alloy Miscellaneous Products (Quality Control) Order, 2025, represents yet another major initiative by the Government of India to ensure safety for consumers and quality for products. Once officially notified, stakeholders will be required to comply with the product for sales in India. 
Manufacturers must prepare now to ensure compliance with BIS requirements and certification at least ahead of time, rather than missing deadlines once notified. You achieve safety and compliance with regulations and simultaneously build and strengthen your brand while competing in the quality landscape of Aluminium products.