- Violations could result in fines or imprisonment
In a bid to enhance product quality and protect consumer safety, the Indian government has imposed mandatory quality control orders (QCO) for stainless steel seamless pipes and tubes. Effective from 1 August, 2025, the mandatory requirement for stainless steel seamless pipes and welded pipes, as per the Indian Standards (IS) 17875:2022 and IS 17876:2022, will play a crucial role in improving domestic manufacturing standards and curbing the import of substandard goods.
The new directive, issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on 10 February, 2025, requires that all stainless steel seamless pipes and tubes produced, sold, traded, or imported in India must bear the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mark.
The primary goal of the QCO is to prevent the influx of inferior products into the market. By mandating the BIS mark, the government aims to ensure that only high-quality products are allowed for use, thus safeguarding both consumers and the environment. Any goods failing to meet the standard will face severe penalties. Violators under the BIS Act could face imprisonment for up to two years or a fine starting at INR 2 lakh for the first offence. For second or subsequent violations, fines may range from INR 5 lakh to as much as 10 times the value of the goods involved.
This quality control initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote the use of quality standards across industries. Over the years, the DPIIT has worked on several initiatives, including the development of QCOs, to foster quality awareness among both manufacturers and consumers. This move is especially relevant as it also aims to curtail unfair trade practices, promoting a fairer marketplace.
However, there are exemptions under the new regulations. The QCO will not apply to imports of up to 500 kilograms of stainless steel seamless pipes and tubes intended for research and development purposes. These imports must not be sold commercially and must be disposed of as scrap.
Since 1987, the DPIIT has issued over 80 QCOs covering more than 330 products, including cement, LPG gas stoves, air conditioners, and refrigerators. These measures have been in line with the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade, ensuring that the regulations are in harmony with global standards.
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