In a significant regulatory move, the Ministry of Mines has issued a series of notifications on 13 November 2025 announcing the withdrawal of multiple Quality Control Orders (QCOs) related to key industrial metals. These orders—originally issued under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016—mandated compulsory quality standards for specific metals used across manufacturing and infrastructure sectors.
Invoking powers under Sections 16(1), 16(2), 17 and 25(3) of the BIS Act, the Central Government stated that the revocations were made after due consultation with the BIS and in consideration of public interest and stakeholder feedback.
Quality Control Orders Withdrawn
The Ministry has formally rescinded the following notifications:
1. Refined Nickel (Quality Control) Order, 2025
• Originally notified via S.O. 1766(E) on 17 April 2025.
• The entire order has been withdrawn.
2. Copper (Quality Control) Order, 2023
• Initially issued through S.O. 3847(E) dated 31 August 2023.
• Revoked except for actions already taken or obligations incurred before its rescission.
3. Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys (Quality Control) Order, 2023
• Notified as S.O. 3846(E) on 31 August 2023.
• Also rescinded subject to preservation of prior acts and omissions.
4. Tin Ingot (Quality Control) Order, 2025
• Issued through S.O. 1769(E) on 17 April 2025.
• The notification has been fully revoked.
5. Nickel (Quality Control) Order, 2023
• Originally released via S.O. 3848(E) on 31 August 2023.
• Withdrawn with the standard exception for past actions.
Implications of the Withdrawal
According to the notifications, the decision reflects the government’s assessment that continuing enforcement of these QCOs may not be necessary at this stage and that lifting them would serve broader public and industrial interests. The revocations are expected to ease import and manufacturing norms, potentially offering relief to industries reliant on these metals—particularly those facing compliance challenges or supply-chain constraints.
However, the preservation of actions already undertaken under older notifications ensures that prior compliance steps, certifications, or regulatory actions remain valid.