BIS Extension of Enforcement Date for IS 4409 Quality Control Order, 2024

Introduction to the BIS QCO for Steel & Steel Products

The Ministry of Steel, in exercise of the powers conferred under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, notified the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024, superseding the earlier 2020 order. Issued in public interest after consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), this order mandates mandatory conformity of specified steel as well as steel products to corresponding Indian Standards, along with compulsory use of the BIS Standard Mark.

Under this framework, products listed in Schedule 1 of the Order are required to comply with the applicable Indian Standards from the notified dates. One such product covered under the Order is Ferronickel, governed by IS 4409:2023 – Specification for Ferronickel.

However, in order to provide additional time for industry preparedness and smooth implementation, the Central Government has now issued a further extension to the enforcement timeline for this specific standard.

Key Changes You Need to Know

As per the latest extension order issued on 01 May 2024, with reference to the Steel & Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024 dated 05 February 2024 and the subsequent amendment dated 09 February 2024, the following change has been notified:

1. The enforcement timeline for IS 4409:2023 – Specification for Ferronickel has been extended by an additional three months.
2. This extension applies only to the Ferronickel standard under the Steel & Steel Products QCO, 2024.
3. All other provisions of the Steel & Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024, remain unchanged.
4. BIS continues to be the designated certifying and enforcement authority to ensure compliance with the provisions of this notification.
5. Penal provisions under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, remain applicable in case of non-compliance after enforcement by any business entity operating in the Indian market. 

What is the Date of Implementation?

The revised enforcement date for compliance with IS 4409:2023 - Specification for Ferronickel is now 23 July 2024.

Manufacture, sale, import, or distribution of Ferronickel after this date must strictly comply with the prescribed Indian Standard and applicable conformity requirements.

Now, What to Do?

Manufacturers as well as importers of Ferronickel should use this extended timeline to complete BIS compliance activities, including product testing, documentation alignment, as well as preparing for the certification and inspection. Early action will help avoid supply disruptions and enforcement-related penalties once the revised deadline comes into effect.

With 10+ years of regulatory experience, Brand Liaison supports steel and alloy manufacturers through simplified documentation, technical assistance, testing coordination, factory audit preparation, and expert BIS consultancy. Our team is backed by in-depth industry knowledge and hands-on compliance expertise. Brand Liaison ensures timely and seamless adherence to Steel QCO requirements, including extended enforcement timelines.