Government mandates quality control on stainless steel pipes and tubes

Starting August 1, the government has enforced quality regulations for stainless steel seamless pipes and tubes to curb the import of substandard products. These items must carry the BIS mark to be manufactured, sold, or traded. Failure to comply may lead to hefty fines or imprisonment under the BIS Act.

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In a significant move to curb the import of sub-standard stainless steel seamless pipes and tubes, the government has introduced mandatory quality control measures aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and ensuring consumer safety. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has issued a notification titled ‘Stainless Steel Pipes and Tubes (Quality Control) Order, 2025’ on February 10, which will come into effect from August 1 this year.

Under the provisions of this order, the production, sale, trade, import, and storage of stainless steel seamless pipes and tubes will be strictly regulated. These items must bear the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification mark to be legally circulated in the market. This move is expected to enhance product quality, promote fair trade practices, and safeguard consumer interests by ensuring only standard-compliant goods are available.

The order, however, provides a specific exemption for research and development activities. Manufacturers engaged in R&D will be allowed to import up to 500 kilograms of these goods annually, provided they are not sold commercially and are disposed of as scrap after use. This provision ensures that innovation and technological advancements in the sector are not hindered while maintaining stringent quality standards.

To enforce compliance, stringent penalties have been put in place for violations of the BIS Act. Any individual or entity found guilty of breaching the regulations could face imprisonment for up to two years or a minimum fine of Rs 2 lakh for the first offence. Repeat offences will attract heavier penalties, with fines increasing to a minimum of Rs 5 lakh and potentially extending to ten times the value of the seized goods or articles.

This initiative aligns with the government’s broader efforts to enhance quality awareness among both manufacturers and consumers. The implementation of Quality Control Orders (QCOs) serves as a mechanism to eliminate the influx of inferior products, prevent unfair trade practices, and ensure both consumer and environmental safety.

The issuance of QCOs follows the guidelines of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade. Since 1987, the DPIIT has issued 81 such orders covering over 330 products under the BIS Act, including essential goods like cement, LPG gas stoves, pressure cookers, air conditioners, and refrigerators. With the latest addition of stainless steel pipes and tubes, the government reaffirms its commitment to upholding high-quality standards in critical industrial segments, ultimately benefiting domestic manufacturers and end-users alike.