BIS QCO for Cast Iron Products

Introduction to the BIS Order Cast Iron Products (QCO), 2024

In the past, the Cast Iron Products (Quality Control) Order, 2023 was announced in order to subject specified cast iron products to compulsory BIS certification. As an additional measure to control quality and revise compliance dates, the Cast Iron Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024, vide Gazette Notification S.O. 2287(E) dated June 13, 2024, has been issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (DPIIT).

This order has been granted under Section 16 of the BIS Act, 2016, to replace the 2023 order and requires mandatory compliance with the relevant Indian Standards, as well as BIS licensing, for cast iron products sold in the Indian market.

Products Covered Under This QCO

The following products are under this QCO:

• Cast Iron Manhole Covers and Frames: IS 1726:1991
• Cast Iron / Ductile Iron Drainage Pipes & Fittings (Non-pressure): IS 1729:2002
• Malleable Cast Iron Pipe Fittings: IS 1879:2010
• Cast Iron Single-faced Thimble Mounted Sluice Gates: IS 13349:1992
• Grey Iron Castings: IS 210:2009
• Vertically Cast Iron Pressure Pipes for Water, Gas & Sewage: IS 1537:1976

Key Provisions of the Order

1. Cast iron products shall be in accordance with any current Indian Standards, and carry the BIS Standard Mark on Scheme-I of BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018.
2. BIS will be the certification and enforcement agency.
3. Individual implementation schedules have been availed of the general, small, and micro enterprises.
4. The order does not apply to exports.
5. Eligible micro and small enterprises registered under Udyam are given exemptions according to the limit of investment and turnover.
6. There is also an allowance for the importation of cast iron products to a limit of 200 kg annually to be utilised in research and development.
7. Failure to comply will incur punishments under the BIS Act, 2016.

What Is the Date of Implementation?

• General Enterprises: 1 September 2024.
• Small Enterprises: 1 December 2024
• Micro Enterprises: 1 March 2025

The order becomes effective on the date that is published in the Official Gazette, i.e. 21 June 2024.

Now, What to Do?

The manufacturers and importers of cast iron products ought to:

• Determine whether their products are in accordance with the notified IS standards
• Launch BIS ISI long beforehand
• Organise the testing of the product by BIS-recognised laboratories
• Make sure that the factory is ready to be inspected by BIS
• Adjust the schedule of compliance according to the enterprise category

How Brand Liaison Can Help

Brand Liaison provides the full support of the BIS ISI Certification of Cast Iron Products, such as the applicability analysis, test coordination, documentation, factory audit support, and BIS liaison. Brand Liaison enables enterprises to obtain their certification in time, escape fines, and maintain their market presence in India without any interruption.