The Indian government has made BIS certification mandatory for stainless steel seamless pipes and tubes to ensure quality. New Quality Control Order (QCO) aims to curb substandard imports, boost domestic manufacturing and enhance consumer safety.

The Indian government has made BIS certification mandatory for stainless steel seamless pipes and tubes to regulate quality, promote domestic production, and safeguard consumers. The Stainless Steel Pipes and Tubes (Quality Control) Order, 2025, issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on February 10, will be enforced from August 1, 2025.

As per the directive, these products cannot be manufactured, sold, imported, traded or stocked without the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mark. However, manufacturers conducting research and development can import up to 500 kg annually, provided these goods are not sold commercially and are disposed of as scrap.

Non-compliance with the BIS Act could lead to imprisonment of up to two years or a minimum fine of ₹2 lakh for the first violation. Repeat offences will attract higher fines, starting from ₹5 lakh and extending up to 10 times the value of the goods.

The DPIIT has been issuing QCOs since 1987, aligning with the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). Over 330 products across 81 categories—including cement, LPG gas stoves, pressure cookers, air conditioners and refrigerators—already fall under such quality mandates.

By implementing QCOs, the government aims to prevent substandard imports, curb unfair trade practices and ensure environmental and consumer safety.