India consults on draft Quality Control Orders for four metals
India’s Ministry of Mines is seeking comments on the draft Quality Control Order (QCO) for four metals. The draft was notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on 12 September 2024 in accordance with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The final date for the comments is 60 days from the date of notification i.e. 11 November 2024.
In addition to the WTO consultation, the Ministry of Mines invites comments from all industry users, industry bodies and relevant stakeholders on the draft QCOs within a period of 60 days from the date of notification on the Ministry’s website (28 August 2024). Only comments and suggestions received within the specified timeframe will be considered by the Ministry of Mines. Information on how to submit comments can be found here.
The chemicals and the corresponding standards are as follows:
| Chemicals | Indian Standards |
| Refined Zinc | IS 209:2024 |
| Refined Nickel | IS 2782:2023 |
| Primary Lead | IS 27: 2023 |
| Tin Ingot | IS 26:2024 |
The Quality Control Order mandates both domestic and foreign manufacturers to adhere to the relevant Indian Standards i.e., IS 209:2024, IS 2782:2023, IS 27:2023 and IS 26: 2024 and the concerned substances to carry the certification mark of the Bureau of Indian Standards, thus ensuring that the existing rules remain in force until the new QCOs are implemented.
We acknowledge that the above information has been compiled from India’s Ministry of Mines.
