BIS Certificate Required for Non-ferrous Materials Importing

In India, the regulation of non-ferrous materials, such as aluminum, copper, and zinc, is governed by policies established by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). These policies ensure that products meet specific quality and safety standards before they are manufactured, imported, or sold in the country.

Key Aspects of India's Policy on Non-Ferrous Material BIS Certification:

1. Mandatory BIS Certification:

• The Indian government mandates that certain non-ferrous metal products obtain BIS certification to ensure adherence to prescribed quality standards.

• For instance, the "Bolts, Nuts, and Fasteners (Quality Control) Order, 2023," published on July 21, 2023, requires manufacturers and importers of these products to secure BIS certification. This order became effective six months from its publication date, with extended timelines for small and micro enterprises. citeturn0search6

2. Quality Control Orders (QCOs):

• The government issues QCOs to enforce mandatory BIS certification for specific non-ferrous metal products.

• For example, a QCO issued on August 31, 2023, pertains to aluminum and aluminum alloys, stipulating that these products must conform to BIS standards to be imported or traded in India. This regulation came into force on January 1, 2024. 

• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR):

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change introduced the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Second Amendment Rules, 2024, effective from April 1, 2025.

• These rules mandate that producers of non-ferrous metals like aluminum, copper, and zinc register with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and fulfill their EPR obligations.

• Starting from the fiscal year 2027-28, products manufactured using these metals must contain a minimum of 5% recycled content, promoting the use of recycled materials and reducing dependence on primary resources. 

3. Standards for Scrap Materials:

• BIS has established guidelines for the classification and quality assessment of non-ferrous scrap metals.

• The standard IS 2066:1962 outlines the coding and classification of non-ferrous scrap metals and residues, specifying requirements and test methods to ascertain the quality of scrap, including visual inspection, chemical testing, and moisture content analysis.

These policies collectively aim to ensure the quality, safety, and sustainability of non-ferrous metal products in the Indian market, fostering environmental responsibility and resource efficiency.