BIS QCO FOR THE ASBESTOS OR FIBRE CEMENT-BASED PRODUCTS (ASBESTOS CEMENT BUILDING BOARDS)

OVERVIEW

8^th OCTOBER 2023

The Government of India, through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, has issued an important directive known as the Asbestos or Fibre Cement based Products (Quality Control) Order, 2023. This ruling, empowered by section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, aims to ensure the quality and safety of asbestos or fibre cement-based products in the public interest.

As mentioned in the BIS QCO for the asbestos or fibre cement-based products (asbestos cement building boards the order comes into effect six months from its publication in the Official Gazette. It mandates the compulsory use of the Standard Mark on goods or articles specified in the Table. These products must adhere to the corresponding Indian Standard mentioned in the order and display the Standard Mark, acquired through a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards under Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

There are exceptions to this order. It does not apply to goods or articles manufactured domestically for export purposes. Small enterprises, defined under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006, are exempt until nine months from the publication date. Micro enterprises have a grace period extending up to twelve months.

According to BIS QCO for asbestos or fibre cement-based products (asbestos cement building boards any person found contravening the provisions of this order may face penalties. This order, while ensuring the quality of asbestos or fibre cement-based products, demonstrates the government's commitment to public safety and the promotion of industry standards in India. This order also mandates that such products must adhere to the corresponding Indian Standard 2098:1997, specifically focusing on asbestos or fibre cement-based products (asbestos cement building boards.

 TABLE

QCO - Quality Control Order