BIS Updates - Nov and Dec 2025
- Commercial Consultancy Counsel
- Dec 30, 2025
- 9 min read
Electrical Equipment QCO (EEQCO, 2020) - Implementation Deferred
Notification: S.O. 5038(E) dated 6 Nov 2025
Ministry: Ministry of Heavy Industries
The Ministry of Heavy Industries has recently issued an important notification concerning the implementation of the Electrical Equipment (Quality Control) Order, 2020, and its subsequent amendments. Using powers that have been granted under Sections 16, 17, and 25 of the BIS Act, 2016, the Government has officially deferred the enforcement date for several electrical equipment categories listed under the said Order. Let us take a detailed look at what this notification states and how it affects industry stakeholders.
Key Provisions of the Latest BIS Deferment Order
As per the official notification dated 6th November 2025:
The deferment applies to all product categories listed in the Table of the Electrical Equipment (Quality Control) Order, 2020, except those under Sr. No. 1.1(a), (AC Circuit Breakers (Category A) – all ratings up to 630 A, up to 440V AC), which were already implemented on 10th November 2024.
The earlier notified enforcement dates, including the previously extended date of 10th November 2025, now stand withdrawn.
The enforcement date for the remaining electrical equipment categories is deferred until further notice.
Major Regulatory Update for the Chemicals & Petrochemicals Industry – 14 QCOs Rescinded
Notification: S.O. 5129(E), dated 12 November 2025.
Ministry: Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals (DCPC)
Effective from 12 November 2025
The Government of India (Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Dept. of Chemicals & Petrochemicals), after consultations with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), has officially rescinded multiple Quality Control Orders (QCOs) issued earlier under the BIS Act, 2016.
This means:
Mandatory BIS Certification is NO longer required for the following product. However, actions already initiated or pending before this order will continue to remain valid.
Products for which QCOs have been Withdrawn
1. Terephthalic Acid (TPA)
2. Ethylene Glycol (EG)
3. 100% Polyester Spun Grey & White Yarn
4. Polyester Industrial Yarn (IDY)
5. Polyester Staple Fibre (PSF)
6. Polyester Continuous Filament Fully Drawn Yarn (FDY)
7. Polyester Partially Oriented Yarn (POY)
8. Polyethylene Material for Moulding & Extrusion
9. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
10. Polypropylene (PP) Material for Moulding & Extrusion
11. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Homopolymers
12. Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Copolymers
13. Polyurethanes (PU)
14. Polycarbonate (PC)
The rescission order has been issued via Gazette Notification S.O. 5129(E), dated 12 November 2025.
OTR (BIS Scheme X) QCO deferred until further notice | Major Relief for the Machinery & Electrical Equipment Industry.
Notification: S.O. 5179(E) dated 13 Nov 2025
Ministry: Ministry of Heavy Industries
The Ministry of Heavy Industries has released the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Second Amendment Order, 2025, published on 13 November 2025,
bringing an important update for manufacturers and importers.
The previously fixed implementation date of 1st September 2026 has now been withdrawn.
The effective date will now be notified separately by the Central Government through the Official Gazette.
This amendment offers a big relaxation for the industry, easing the hustle and bustle expected during the transition phase and giving companies more breathing room to prepare for compliance.
Withdrawal of QCOs for certain metals
Notification: S.O. 5166(E) to S.O. 5174(E), dated 13 Nov 2025.
Ministry: Ministry of Mines
Withdrawal of Quality Control Orders (“QCOs”), by the Central Government, which mandated the compulsory standard mark requirements applicable to the manufacture and imports of Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys, Copper, Nickel, Tin Ingot, Refined Nickel, and Refined Zinc in India
Background | The Central Government had earlier notified QCOs for Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys, Copper, Nickel, Tin Ingot, Refined Nickel, and Refined Zinc. As per these QCOs, compliance with the mandatory use of the Indian Standard Mark as mentioned in the QCOs, was a pre-requisite for the sale of these metals in India. Accordingly, the said metals were required to be certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (“BIS”). However, through notifications dated November 13, 2025, the Central Government has now withdrawn these QCOs along with the associated BIS certification requirements. |
Products concerned | The QCOs apply to products covered by the following Indian Standards: IS 617:1994 Cast aluminium and its alloys – Ingots and castings for general engineering purposes IS 11890:1987 Specification for high purity primary aluminium ingot for remelting for special applications IS 6754:1972 Specification for aluminium alloy ingots for remelting for general engineering purpose IS 2590:1987 Specification for Primary aluminium ingots for remelting for general engineering purpose IS 4026: 2023 Aluminium ingots billets and wire bars (EC GRADE) IS 191:2007 Copper-Specification IS 7506:1987 Specification for Nickel Powder IS 26:2024 Tin Ingot – Specification IS 2782:2023 Refined Nickel – Specification IS 209:2024 Refined Zinc – Specification |
Next Steps | With the withdrawal of these QCOs, the associated BIS compliance requirements are no longer mandatory for the manufacture and import of these metals in India. However, it is not recommended for entities currently holding a BIS licence to surrender it, as the Central Government reserves the right to reinstate the QCOs at any time, without prior notice. If the QCOs are reinstated, both domestic and foreign manufacturers of these metals will only be able to sell these products in India while mandatorily using the prescribed Standard Mark under a valid license issued by the BIS. To obtain the necessary certification from the BIS, both foreign producers and domestic manufacturers of these metals would need to submit a formal application to the BIS. Furthermore, the process of certification will also require physical testing and inspection of the relevant product at the factory premises as well as parallel testing by a BIS authorized laboratory in India to verify the same. |
Viscose Staple Fibre (VSF) QCO Rescinded
Notification: S.O. 5267(E) dated 18 Nov 2025
Ministry: Ministry of Textiles
In a significant regulatory update, the Central Government—exercising its powers under Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016—has officially rescinded the Quality Control Order (QCO) for Viscose Staple Fibres.
This rescission withdraws the Ministry of Textiles’ earlier notification S.O. 6143(E) dated 29th December 2022, with immediate effect, following due consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
It is important to note that actions already taken under the previous notification remain valid.
What this means for industry stakeholders:
Viscose Staple Fibres are no longer subject to the mandatory BIS certification requirement under the rescinded QCO.
Manufacturers, importers, and supply chain partners may realign their compliance strategy accordingly.
Ministry of Steel Issues New Order Exempting Certain ITC-HS Codes from Mandatory QCO Compliance
Order No. S-20011/15/2024-TECH-PART(2) dated 20 November 2025
Ministry: Ministry of Steel (Technical Division)
This is an official Order issued by the Ministry of Steel, Government of India on 20 November 2025 (signed and dated 20.11.2025), superseding a previous order of 06 October 2025.
Key Decision
Certain steel products falling under specific Indian Standards (IS) and their corresponding ITC-HS Codes (Indian Trade Classification – Harmonized System codes) are temporarily exempted from the mandatory Quality Control Order (QCO) requirements.
Duration of the Exemption
The exemption applies only to imports of these steel products where the Bill of Lading (B/L) has a “shipped on board” date on or before 31 March 2026.
In simple terms:
After 31 March 2026, all imports under these HS codes will again have to compulsorily comply with the respective Indian Standards (QCO will become fully mandatory). Until that date, importers can clear these goods without BIS certification / QCO compliance, provided the vessel sailed on or before 31.03.2026.
What Products Are Covered? (Annexure I – 16 Indian Standards)
Square Tins – 15 kg/litre For Ghee, Vanaspati, Edible Oils and Bakery Shortenings
Steel Tubes For Structural Purposes
Steel Tubes, Tubulars And Other Wrought Steel Fittings – Part 1 Steel Tubes
Drums, Large Open Top
Stainless Steel Utensils
Bar or wire Wrapped Steel Cylinder Products Pipes with Mortar Lining and Coating Including Specials
Drums, Large, Fixed Ends, Grade ‘A’
Drums, Large, Fixed ends, Grade ‘B’
Stainless Steel Seamless Pipes and Tubes for General Services
Stainless Steel Welded pipes and tubes for general service
Hot Dip Galvanized Stay Strand
Steel Drums (Galvanized and Ungalvanized)
Bitumen Drums
Steel Tubes Used for Water Wells
Stainless steel tubes for the food and beverage industry
Square Tins for Solid Products
Upcoming QCOS
1 | Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals | p-Xylene | IS 17370: 2020 | 19 December 2025 |
2 | Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals | Polyurethanes | IS 17397 (Part 1): 2020/ISO 16365-1:2014 | 19 December 2025 |
3 | Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals | Toluene | IS 537:2011 | 22 December 2025 |
4 | Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals | Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Homopolymers | IS 17658 : 2021 | 24 December, 2025 |
Regulatory Update: Steel & Steel Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025
Order No. S.O. 5134(E) dated 20th November 2025
Ministry: Ministry of Steel, Government of India
The Ministry of Steel has issued S.O. 5134(E) amending the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024, exercising powers under Sections 16, 17, and 25(3) of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016.
Key Highlights of the Amendment
Under this amendment, the Government has deferred enforcement of several IS standards listed in Schedule-1 of the 2024 QCO:
1. Enforcement Deferred for 3 Years
The IS standards listed at serial numbers:
24, 37, 48, 55, 68, 69, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 79, 81, 82, 83, 87, 88, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 101, 104, 105, 106, 107, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 123, 124, 125, 150, 151
These provisions will not be operative for 3 years from the date of Gazette publication.
2. Enforcement Deferred for 1 Year
The standards listed at serial numbers:
49, 50, 60, 64, 86, 92, 93, 94, 102, 128, 132, 135, 137
These provisions will not be operative for 1 year from the date of Gazette publication.
What This Means for Industry
Additional compliance time for many steel and steel product categories under mandatory BIS certification.
Provides manufacturers, importers, and supply-chain partners more flexibility to align with certification requirements.
QCO withdrawal of 6 chemicals
Pyridine | Beta Picoline | Sodium Tripolyphosphate | H Acid | K Acid | Vinyl Sulphone
Order No. S.O. 5307(E) to S.O. 5312(E) dated 20th November 2025
Ministry: Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals)
The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals) issued six separate orders on 20th November 2025, all with immediate effect, rescinding earlier Quality Control Orders under Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. The full text of each order is as follows:
S.O. 5307(E) – Rescinds the Pyridine (Quality Control) Order, 2020 Notification No. S.O. 1890(E) dated 16th June, 2020 is withdrawn with immediate effect.
S.O. 5308(E) – Rescinds the Beta Picoline (Quality Control) Order, 2020 Notification No. S.O. 1892(E) dated 16th June, 2020 is withdrawn with immediate effect.
S.O. 5309(E) – Rescinds the Sodium Tripolyphosphate (Quality Control) Order, 2020 Notification No. S.O. 1903(E) dated 16th June, 2020 is withdrawn with immediate effect.
S.O. 5310(E) – Rescinds the H Acid (Quality Control) Order, 2024 Notification No. S.O. 4925(E) dated 14th November, 2024 is withdrawn with immediate effect.
S.O. 5311(E) – Rescinds the K Acid (Quality Control) Order, 2024 Notification No. S.O. 4926(E) dated 14th November, 2024 is withdrawn with immediate effect.
S.O. 5312(E) – Rescinds the Vinyl Sulphone (Quality Control) Order, 2024 Notification No. S.O. 4927(E) dated 14th November, 2024 is withdrawn with immediate effect.
Quality Control Orders Rescinded: 6 Petrochemical Products
Order No. S.O. 5527–5532(E) | New Delhi, 28 Nov 2025 | Immediate Effect
Ministry: Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers (Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals)
Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers (DoC&P) rescinds BIS-mandated Quality Control Orders under BIS Act 2016 for:
p-Xylene (S.O. 5527(E)
Toluene S.O. 5528(E)
Methyl Acrylate & Ethyl Acrylate (S.O. 5529(E)
Vinyl Acetate Monomer (S.O. 5530(E)
Ethylene Dichloride (S.O. 5531(E)
Vinyl Chloride Monomer (S.O. 5532(E)
Impact: Eliminates compulsory BIS certification for imports/production, simplifying compliance for industry.
Quality Control Order: Hand Tools (Mandatory BIS Certification)
S.O. 5596(E) | New Delhi, 4 Dec 2025 | Effective 1 Oct 2026
Ministry: Ministry of Commerce & Industry (DPIIT)
Ministry of Commerce & Industry (DPIIT) notifies Hand Tools (Quality Control) Order, 2025 under BIS Act 2016, superseding prior version:
Mandatory BIS Standard Mark (Scheme-I) for specified tools (e.g., Pipe Wrenches IS 4003 Pt 1/2; Open-Jaw Wrenches IS 2028; Ring Wrenches IS 2029; Adjustable Wrenches IS 6149; Chain Pipe Wrenches IS 4123; Slugging Wrenches IS 4508/4509; Cutting Pliers IS 3650).
Staggered Implementation: General - 1 Oct 2026; Small Enterprises - 1 Jan 2027; Micro Enterprises - 1 Apr 2027.
Exemptions: Domestic exports; R&D imports (≤200 units/year, non-commercial, scrap disposal with records).
Enforcement: BIS certification; violations punishable under BIS Act.
Impact: Ensures quality compliance for manufacturing/import/sale; promotes consumer safety and industry standards.
NITI Aayog Panel: Easing MSME Regulations & QCOs
Report Overview | Expected Release: End-Dec 2025
Source:
Panel (led by Rajiv Gauba) proposes non-financial reforms to cut compliance burdens:
Scrap mandatory CSR for MSMEs; raise 'small company' threshold > Rs 100 Cr.
Pause upcoming QCOs/OTRs for raw materials/capital goods; review by IMG (Centre already withdrew 14 QCOs in chemicals/plastics/textiles).
Simplify GST returns, reduce penal interest to 12%; fewer board meetings/audits.
Risk-graded licensing/inspections via third parties; fixed regulatory update calendar.
Ease FDI norms: Relax Press Note 3 (PN3) scrutiny for China/border countries (up to 49% in select sectors like electronics).
Impact: Addresses 1,400+ annual compliances & 40 daily changes for MSMEs; promotes EoDB, investment, and manufacturing growth.
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