BIS QCO FOR THE ASBESTOS OR FIBRE CEMENT BASED PRODUCTS (ASBESTOS-CEMENT PIPES AND FITTINGS FOR SEWERAGE AND DRAINAGE)

OVERVIEW

8^th OCTOBER 2023

In New Delhi, the Government of India, through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry's Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, has issued an Order on asbestos or fibre cement-based products, known as the Asbestos or Fibre Cement based Products (Quality Control) Order, 2023. This Order, effective six months from its publication in the Official Gazette, exercises powers granted by section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

The Order mandates that goods or articles listed in the Table must comply with the corresponding Indian Standard mentioned in column (2) of the Table. To confirm adherence, these products must bear the Standard Mark, acquired through a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards, following Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. According to the BIS QCO for the asbestos or fibre cement based products (asbestos - cement pipes and fittings for sewerage and drainage) there are exceptions for goods manufactured domestically for export, and small enterprises have a nine-month grace period, while micro enterprises have twelve months from the notification date.

According to the BIS QCO for the asbestos or fibre cement based products (asbestos - cement pipes and fittings for sewerage and drainage) violation of any provisions of this Order may lead to penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This regulatory move aims to ensure quality control and standardization in the production of asbestos or fibre cement-based products, prioritizing public safety and interest. This rule requires these products to follow the specific Indian Standard 6908:1991, particularly emphasizing the asbestos or fibre cement based products (asbestos - cement pipes and fittings for sewerage and drainage).

TABLE

QCO - Quality Control Order