Relaxation for micro and small enterprises on QCOs

The Commerce Ministry issued notifications regarding the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for copper products and drums and tins. The ministry announced an extension of the deadlines, providing micro-enterprises with an additional six months and small enterprises with an extra three months for the implementation of these QCOs.

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The Commerce Ministry has decided to prolong the timelines for enforcing QCOs related to copper products and drums and tins. Micro-enterprises will now have an extra six months to comply, while small enterprises have been granted an additional three months. The QCOs will be implemented on the expiry of six months from the date of their notification in the e-gazette.

The ministry emphasized that the primary aim of issuing QCOs is to elevate the quality of products manufactured within the country, reduce the inflow of inferior imported goods into India, and prevent unfair trade practices to safeguard human, animal, and plant health, as well as environmental safety.

“Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry consultation with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and stakeholders has been identifying key products for notifying QCO. This has led to the initiation of the development of more than 60 new QCOs covering 318 product standards. It includes 9 standards of Copper Products,” the statement said.

The nine products covered in the list include copper wire rods intended for electrical applications, copper rods and bars designed for electrical purposes, copper strips used for electrical applications, wrought copper tubes specifically for refrigeration and air-conditioning purposes, and several others.

The notification also encompasses seven standards for drums and tins, encompassing categories such as large open-top drums, grade A drums, grade B steel drums, bitumen drums, square tins for solid products, and more. In total, this initiative has kickstarted the development of over 60 QCOs that span 318 product standards.