NEWS
Refined Zinc (Quality Control) Order, 2025
A Comprehensive Overview
In a major regulatory move aimed at improving the quality standards of industrial products in India, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), has notified the Refined Zinc (Quality Control) Order, 2025. This is part of the government’s broader effort to ensure that products manufactured, sold, or imported into India comply with stringent quality benchmarks.
The Indian government has been consistently working to enhance consumer safety, industrial reliability, and alignment with global best practices by introducing Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for various chemicals and metals. Refined zinc is the latest addition to this list, reflecting its critical role in galvanizing, die-casting, and alloy-making industries.
Key Highlights of the Order:
– The order mandates that all refined zinc products intended for sale in India must bear the Indian Standard Mark, signifying compliance with the relevant BIS standard.
– It is now compulsory to obtain certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) before refined zinc can be distributed or sold in the Indian domestic market.
– Compliance is not optional. It is a mandatory prerequisite and a legal requirement for all stakeholders, including Indian manufacturers and foreign exporters to India.
– This QCO not only promotes standardization and quality assurance but also protects consumers and industries from substandard imports or domestically manufactured products.
The refined zinc QCO aligns with India’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives, aiming to strengthen domestic manufacturing with a focus on quality and safety.
Products Covered
The Refined Zinc (Quality Control) Order, 2025 specifically pertains to the refined form of zinc and mandates that it must comply with specifications laid out in the Indian Standard developed by BIS.
Applicable Standard:
– Indian Standard Number: IS 209:2024
– Title: Refined Zinc – Specification
Exemptions Provided
While the order aims for comprehensive enforcement, it does allow for limited exemptions, in line with India’s trade obligations and export promotion goals.
Who Is Exempted:
– Products Meant Solely for Export: The QCO will not apply to refined zinc products that are exclusively manufactured for export markets.
What Is Not Exempted:
– No Exemptions for R&D: Unlike some earlier QCOs, this order does not exempt refined zinc used for research and development purposes.
– No Relief for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs): Products manufactured by micro or small enterprises must also comply with the BIS certification process, without any deferred timelines or exemptions.
Timelines for Implementation
The Ministry has provided a specific deadline for the implementation of the order to give manufacturers and importers sufficient time to comply.
Implementation Date:
– The Refined Zinc (Quality Control) Order, 2025 will come into force on October 17, 2025.
– Only products bearing the BIS-prescribed Standard Mark under a valid BIS license can be sold in India from this date onward.
Uniform Implementation:
– The order will be simultaneously enforced for all manufacturers, without staggered timelines for micro, small, or medium enterprises.
Next Steps for Manufacturers and Importers
To ensure compliance before the deadline, manufacturers, especially foreign producers and exporters, must proactively start the certification process.
- Obtain BIS Certification
– All manufacturers of refined zinc must apply for and obtain a BIS license.
– This license authorizes them to use the Indian Standard Mark.
- Formal Application to BIS
– Submit a formal application to BIS with complete product details and documentation.
- Factory and Product Testing
– The BIS process includes an on-site inspection of the manufacturing facility.
- Parallel Laboratory Testing in India
– Products must undergo testing at a BIS-authorized laboratory in India.
- Special Considerations for Foreign Manufacturers
– The BIS certification process can take longer for foreign applicants.
– Early application is strongly recommended.
Conclusion
The Refined Zinc (Quality Control) Order, 2025 marks a significant development in India’s effort to ensure the quality, safety, and reliability of critical industrial inputs. By enforcing mandatory certification and standardization, the government aims to curb substandard imports, boost domestic production quality, and enhance consumer and industrial confidence.
Early preparedness is key. Ensuring timely BIS certification guarantees market access and positions companies as compliant, credible, and quality-driven players in a competitive environment.