Copper Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026 - Detailed Information

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), has issued the Copper Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026, on 30th June 2026. This amendment introduces a temporary exemption from mandatory BIS quality-control/certification requirements for certain copper products used in the air conditioning and refrigeration industry.

The amendment has been made under the powers granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016, after consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The objective of this amendment is to support manufacturers while ensuring a smooth transition to the mandatory quality control requirements. In this article, we explain the key provisions of the amendment, the products covered, eligibility conditions, import limits, and compliance requirements in simple language.

What is the Copper Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026?

The Copper Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026, amends the existing Copper Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024. Under this amendment, the Government has temporarily exempted specific imported copper products from the Quality Control Order. The exemption is intended to help manufacturers in the air conditioning and refrigeration (AC&R) industry continue production without disruption while adapting to the new BIS quality requirements. The amendment came into effect on 30th June 2026, the date it was published in the Official Gazette.

Which Products Are Covered Under the Exemption?

The temporary exemption applies only to one specific product:

• Inner Grooved Copper Tubes covered under IS 10773:2025.
• These copper tubes must be imported solely for use in manufacturing:
• Air conditioners
• Refrigeration equipment
• Related components
• Sub-assemblies used in air conditioning and refrigeration products
• The exemption does not apply to other copper products or industries.

Who Can Avail This Exemption?

The exemption is available only to manufacturers that import Inner Grooved Copper Tubes for manufacturing air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment in India. Importers or traders bringing these products for resale are not covered under this exemption. The imported copper tubes must be used directly in the manufacturing process.

What Is the Import Limit?

Although the amendment provides relief from the Quality Control Order, it also sets a maximum import limit. Manufacturers can import up to 50% of the average quantity of Inner Grooved Copper Tubes imported during the financial years 2024–25 and 2025–26. This means businesses cannot import unlimited quantities under the exemption. The Government has set a limit to ensure the exemption is used only for genuine manufacturing requirements while encouraging a gradual transition to BIS-certified products.

How Long Will the Exemption Be Available?

The exemption is temporary. It is applicable from the date the Copper Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026 came into force until 30th November 2026. Unless the Government issues another notification extending this period, manufacturers will have to comply with the Quality Control Order after 30th November 2026.

Compliance Requirements for Manufacturers

Manufacturers using this exemption must comply with certain record-keeping requirements.

They are required to:

• Maintain month-wise records of all imported Inner Grooved Copper Tubes covered under the exemption.
• Keep accurate details of the quantity imported every month.
• Submit these records to the relevant Government authorities upon request.
• Provide the records on the company's official letterhead.
• Ensure the records are signed by the company's authorised signatory.
• Maintaining proper documentation is essential because Government authorities may verify whether the importer has complied with the prescribed import limits and conditions.

Why Has the Government Introduced This Amendment?

The air conditioning and refrigeration industry relies heavily on Inner Grooved Copper Tubes for manufacturing energy-efficient cooling equipment. Since the implementation of mandatory BIS quality requirements may affect the availability of these products in the short term, the Government has introduced this temporary exemption to prevent disruptions in manufacturing activities. The amendment provides manufacturers with additional time to adjust their procurement processes while maintaining continuity in production.

Background of the Notification

The Copper Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024 was originally published in the Gazette of India on 25th April 2024 through S.O. 1801(E). The first amendment to the Order was issued on 19th February 2025 through S.O. 884(E). The latest amendment, Copper Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026, issued on 30th June 2026, replaces the third proviso in Paragraph 2 of the original Order and introduces this temporary exemption for eligible manufacturers.

Conclusion

The Copper Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026 provides temporary relief to manufacturers in the air conditioning and refrigeration sector by allowing limited imports of Inner Grooved Copper Tubes conforming to IS 10773:2025 without the Quality Control Order applying until 30th November 2026. However, manufacturers must ensure that imports remain within the prescribed limit of 50% of their average imports during FY 2024–25 and FY 2025–26. They must also maintain proper month-wise records and submit them to the concerned authorities whenever required.