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India is gearing up to tighten its grip on the sale of low-quality aluminium, copper, and nickel, with new Quality Control (QC) measures set to take effect from December 2023. These measures have been introduced via QC orders sanctioned by the Ministry of Mines in a bid to regulate the quality of these crucial metals.Earlier this year, in June, the Mines Ministry had laid out its plans to establish a Quality Control framework aimed at discouraging subpar metal imports. The objective behind this initiative is to standardize the sale of these metals, making it mandatory for sellers to adhere to the quality benchmarks set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).In March of the same year, the central government had proposed the issuance of Quality Control orders specifically for aluminium,…

In a significant development for civil engineering projects in India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced a fresh set of standards aimed at improving the quality of structural design and proof-checking consultancy services. These standards, outlined in IS 18299:2023 - "Requirements for Structural Design and Proof Checking Consultancy Services for Structures," define specific criteria for the qualification and experience of the Principal Design Consultant (PDC) and Proof Checking Consultant (PC).The introduction of these standards addresses long-standing gaps in the industry, providing a comprehensive framework for all aspects of structural design and proof-checking consultancy services. This includes outlining the responsibilities, educational qualifications, and expected deliverables from all stakeholders involved in civil engineering projects. The BIS emphasizes that these standards are relevant to a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including owners…

In a significant development for civil engineering projects in India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced a fresh set of standards aimed at improving the quality of structural design and proof-checking consultancy services. These standards, outlined in IS 18299:2023 - "Requirements for Structural Design and Proof Checking Consultancy Services for Structures," define specific criteria for the qualification and experience of the Principal Design Consultant (PDC) and Proof Checking Consultant (PC).The introduction of these standards addresses long-standing gaps in the industry, providing a comprehensive framework for all aspects of structural design and proof-checking consultancy services. This includes outlining the responsibilities, educational qualifications, and expected deliverables from all stakeholders involved in civil engineering projects. The BIS emphasizes that these standards are relevant to a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including owners…

In an effort to uphold quality standards and ensure consumer safety, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced mandatory certification for a range of commonly used products, including potable water bottles, cookware, insulated flasks, and tinplate packaging for food and beverages. Starting from January 5 and February 9 of the following year, manufacturers are required to obtain BIS licenses for water bottles and cookware, respectively.The move by BIS aims to curb the sale of substandard products and enhance the manufacturing quality of these widely used items. The certification requirement applies to a variety of materials, such as copper, stainless steel, and aluminum, used in the production of water bottles and cooking utensils.Under this new mandate, even tinplate packaging for products like infant milk food, instant coffee, tea, and condensed…

In a recent development, the Ministry of Ayush has provided clarity regarding the manufacturing of food products licensed under the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) alongside Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani (ASU) products. This clarification responds to inquiries from companies seeking approval to produce both Ayush and FSSAI-regulated products within the same manufacturing facilities.The Ministry, in an office memorandum, emphasized that there is no explicit prohibition against using a combined setup for manufacturing ASU and FSSAI-licensed products as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and its associated rules. Furthermore, the FSSAI, which operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), has not issued any directives restricting the manufacturing of FSSAI-regulated food products in premises where Ayush products are being produced.However, to ensure the safety and…

In a significant development, the Ministry of Mines has announced the notification of three Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for seven non-ferrous refined metal items. This move, designed to enhance user benefits and industry competitiveness, represents the Ministry's commitment to establishing a robust quality control ecosystem.Curbing Imports of Sub-Standard ProductsOne of the primary objectives of these QCOs is to tackle the import of sub-standard products, prevent unfair trade practices, and ensure the consistent supply of high-quality products to consumers. By mandating stringent quality standards, these orders aim to bolster consumer confidence and protect domestic industries from the influx of sub-par goods.Key Details of the Quality Control OrdersThe Ministry of Mines has issued these QCOs in accordance with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act. They will come into effect three months…

The Ministry of Textile's recent decision to postpone the implementation of the quality control order for cotton bales by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has stirred discussions within the cotton industry. Vidarbha ginners expressed their concerns about the BIS rating system for cotton, citing the vast variations in cotton quality in the region due to factors such as seed variety, climate conditions, pest infestation, picking practices, handling, storage, and multiple pickings throughout the year.To shed light on this important issue, we spoke with cotton advisor Govind Wairale, a retired general manager of Maharashtra Cotton Federation and a prominent figure in the cotton industry. He emphasized the need for proper awareness among cotton farmers before implementing the BIS standards, suggesting that the coming year could be used to educate all…

In a significant development, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has taken proactive steps to recall Hitachi products with subpar star ratings, signaling a commitment to uphold consumer rights and energy efficiency standards. Several other home appliance companies are also under investigation as part of this quality assurance drive.In response to these actions, Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Limited issued a press statement reaffirming its commitment to producing high-quality products that adhere to global and local standards. The company expressed appreciation for BEE's efforts and actively participates in advancing sustainable energy efficiency through technological innovation. The statement also emphasized their dedication to maintaining consumer trust by investing in the delivery of top-notch products.Furthermore, Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Limited revealed that, as part of their product life cycle assessment process,…

In a recent development, the Ministry of Ayush has issued a significant clarification regarding the utilization of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani (ASU) manufacturing facilities for the production of food products licensed under the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This clarification comes in response to requests from companies seeking approval to manufacture products under both Ayush and FSSAI in the same manufacturing premises.The Ministry's office memorandum emphasized that there is no specific prohibition against using a combined setup of manufacturing equipment and production lines for items licensed under ASU and FSSAI within the framework of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and its associated regulations. Furthermore, there are no directives from FSSAI, which operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), that restrict the manufacturing of…

In a significant move towards enhancing the quality standards of the cement industry, the Jammu and Kashmir Branch Office of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) recently concluded a successful Two-Day Capsule Course for Quality Control Personnel (QCPs) on August 30-31, 2023. Held at the prestigious Hotel Four Points in Srinagar, the program drew the participation of technical experts from various Cement Industries in the Kashmir region.The program commenced with a warm welcome address by Pankaj Atri, Joint Director of BIS JKBO. He emphasized that the primary objective of this Capsule Course was to bolster the industry's capabilities, thereby elevating the overall quality standards within the country. Atri explained that the training aimed to equip QCPs with knowledge on cement requirements, sampling and testing methods for different cement types, effective…