BIS QCO FOR THE ASBESTOS OR FIBRE CEMENT BASED PRODUCTS (ASBESTOS CEMENT PRESSURE PIPES (LIGHT DUTY))

OVERVIEW

8^th OCTOBER 2023

The Indian Government, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, has issued a directive known as the Asbestos or Fibre Cement based Products (Quality Control) Order, 2023. This Order, governed by section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, empowers the Central Government to regulate these products for the public interest.

The Order, set to be effective six months from its publication in the Official Gazette, imposes the mandatory use of a Standard Mark on goods or articles listed in the Table. These items must adhere to the corresponding Indian Standard specified in the Table's second column and carry the Standard Mark, acquired through a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards.

Certain exemptions are outlined in the BIS QCO for the asbestos or fibre cement based products (asbestos cement pressure pipes (light duty)). It does not apply to goods or articles produced domestically for export purposes. Small enterprises, as defined under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006, have a grace period of nine months from the date of notification. Similarly, micro enterprises have a grace period of twelve months.

The certification and enforcement authority for compliance with this Order lies with the Bureau of Indian Standards, which is tasked with certifying and ensuring adherence to the specified standards. The Order includes penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, for individuals or entities contravening its provisions. According to the BIS QCO for the asbestos or fibre cement based products (asbestos cement pressure pipes (light duty)) it mandates that such products must adhere to the corresponding Indian Standard 9627:1980, specifically focusing on (Asbestos Cement Pressure Pipes (Light Duty)).

In summary, the Asbestos or Fibre Cement based Products (Quality Control) Order, 2023, is a regulatory measure aimed at ensuring the quality and conformity of these products to specified Indian Standards, with the Bureau of Indian Standards overseeing certification and enforcement.

TABLE

QCO - Quality Control Order