BIS Draft QCO for Iron & Steel Pipes, Tubes & Fittings 2025

Introduction to the BIS Draft QCO for Iron & Steel Pipes, Tubes & Fittings

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, has issued a Draft Quality Control Order (QCO) 2025 for Iron and Steel Pipes, Tubes, and Fittings in the public interest.

The order is titled Iron and Steel Pipes, Tubes & Fittings (Quality Control) Order, 2025. It has been issued under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, after consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

This draft QCO aims to ensure quality, safety, and standardisation of iron and steel pipes, tubes, and fittings used across various industries in India.

Key Changes of the QCO You Should Know

Under this QCO:

1. The specified iron and steel products must comply with the relevant Indian Standards (IS)
2. These products must bear the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark)
3. BIS certification must be obtained under Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018
4. BIS will act as the certifying and enforcing authority
5. Non-compliance with the order may lead to penalties under the BIS Act, 2016

Products Covered under this QCO

The following iron and steel pipes, tubes, and fittings are covered under the Draft QCO, along with their applicable Indian Standards:

• Steel pipes for water and sewage – IS 3589: 2001
• Specification for spiral welded pipes – IS 5504: 1997
• Specification for Horizontally cast iron double flanged pipes for water, gas, and sewage – IS 7181: 1986
• Cast iron fittings for pressure pipes for water, gas and sewage – IS 1538: 1993
• Steel tubes for mechanical and general engineering purposes – IS 3601: 2006
• Cast iron specials for mechanical and push-on flexible joints for pressure pipes – IS 13382: 2018
• Hollow steel sections for structural use – IS 4923: 2017
• Petroleum and natural gas industry steel pipes – IS/ISO 3183: 2019
• Seamless steel tubes for manufacturing high-pressure gas cylinders – IS 12620: 1989
• The petroleum and natural gas industries’ steel pipes – IS 19111: 2025 / ISO 11960: 2020
• Steel drill pipes – IS 19112: 2025 / ISO 11961: 2018
• Steel tubes for idlers for belt conveyors – IS 9295: 2024

Note: The latest version of the Indian Standards, including amendments issued by BIS from time to time, will be applicable.

Exemptions to this QCO

This Draft QCO will not apply to:

1. Up to 100 units per year imported for research and development, provided that:
   1. The goods are not sold commercially
   2. The goods are disposed of as scrap
   3. Manufacturers maintain year-wise records and submit them to the authorities when required
2. Goods manufactured in India exclusively for export

What is the Date of Implementation?

The implementation timeline depends on the type of enterprise:

• General enterprises (other than micro and small):
  6 months from the date of publication in the Official Gazette
• Small enterprises:
  9 months from the date of publication
• Micro enterprises:
  12 months from the date of publication

Now, What to Do?

Manufacturers and importers of iron and steel pipes, tubes, and fittings should:

• Check whether their products fall under the scope of this Draft QCO
• Identify the applicable Indian Standards for their products
• Plan for BIS certification under Scheme-I
• Upgrade testing and quality systems to meet BIS requirements
• Track the final notification and implementation timelines carefully

Early preparation will help avoid business disruption, penalties, or removal of products from the Indian market.

Brand Liaison supports manufacturers and importers in implementing BIS QCO requirements for iron and steel pipes, tubes, and fittings, including standard applicability analysis, BIS certification filing, test report coordination, documentation support, and regulatory liaison. With deep experience in BIS Quality Control Orders, Brand Liaison helps businesses achieve timely compliance and maintain uninterrupted market access in India.