The Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys (Quality Control) Order, 2023 was issued by the Ministry of Mines on 31 August 2023 in the public interest, after consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. As per this order, Primary Aluminium Ingots for Remelting must comply with Indian Standard IS 2590:1987. Manufacturers are required to obtain a valid BIS license and ensure that their products bear the mandatory ISI Standard Mark in accordance with Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
Key Provisions of the QCO
- Implementation Timeline: This order comes into force 3 months from the date of publication (i.e., from 31 August 2023).
- Mandatory Certification: All applicable products must conform to IS 2590:1987 and carry the ISI mark under a valid BIS license.
- Scope & Applicability: Applicable to aluminium and aluminium alloy ingots specified under the QCO, including primary aluminium ingots for remelting.
- Export Exemption: The order does not apply to goods manufactured exclusively for export.
- Certification Authority: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the designated authority for certification and enforcement.
- Penalty for Non-Compliance: Any violation of this order is punishable under the BIS Act, which may include fines up to ₹5 lakh, imprisonment up to 1 year, or both.
Products Covered Under the QCO
| S. No. | Goods / Article | Indian Standard | Title of Indian Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aluminium and aluminium alloy ingots & castings | IS 617 | Cast aluminium and its alloys – Ingots and castings for general engineering purposes |
| 2 | High purity primary aluminium ingot | IS 11890 | High purity primary aluminium ingot for remelting (special applications) |
| 3 | Aluminium alloy ingots for bearings | IS 6754 | Aluminium alloy ingots for remelting for general engineering purposes |
| 4 | Primary aluminium ingots for remelting | IS 2590 | Primary aluminium ingots for remelting for general engineering purposes |
| 5 | Aluminium ingots, billets and wire bars (EC Grade) | IS 4026 | Aluminium ingots, billets and wire bars (EC Grade) |