Ministry of Steel has issued Stainless Steel Products (Quality Control) (Amendment) Order, 2016, dated 08.09.16, for extending the date of enforcement of the Principal Order dated 10th June, 2016, from three months to 180 days. The Order aims at ensuring use of high quality standards in respect of 3 specified stainless steel product categories.
The Steel Minister Shri Birender Singh had met representatives of various stakeholders, who had differing views on the impact of implementation of Quality Control Order, issued in June 2016. Producers, traders, merchants and users attended this meeting organised in August 2016. In the no-holds-barred deliberations under the Chairmanship of the Minister, each side put forth their issues and concerns in detail. Shri Singh gave a patient hearing and facilitated free exchange of ideas. He advised that all sides must put their minds together and come up with a practical resolution in larger interest, within a given timeframe. He directed that an empowered functionary from each group should sit together with Ministry of Steel officials and resolve the deadlock. The ultimate objective must be to see that there is no compromise on quality of steel, he added. Subsequent rounds of discussions at various levels have resulted in the present amendment order. While complimenting all concerned for reaching a consensus, Shri Singh has urged the users and trader groups to come forward and join the central government in its drive to provide quality steel to Indian consumers. The Minister has exhorted them to apply to BIS for licenses and to also encourage their foreign suppliers to do the same, as quality of steel cannot be compromised.
The 3 stainless steel product categories covered under the Order are IS 5522 (stainless steel sheets and strips of utensils), IS 15997 (low nickel authenticate stainless steel sheet and strip for utensils and kitchen appliances-specification) and IS 6911 (stainless steel plate, sheet and strip-specification). The Order stipulates prohibition regarding manufacture, storage, sale, distribution etc. without Standard Mark of BIS and obligation of certification.