The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has released a draft Quality Control Order (QCO) titled "Stainless Steel Pipes and Tubes (Quality Control) Order, 2024," which will take effect from the date it is published in the Official Gazette.

Stainless steel welded pipes and tubes for general use must comply with Indian Standard IS 17875:2022 and bear the Standard Mark under a license issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as per Scheme-1 of Schedule-II of the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018. Compliance is mandatory within six months of the publication of this Order.

The Order does not apply to goods produced within the country for export purposes.

Additionally, it exempts up to 500 kilograms of goods or articles imported annually for research and development purposes by stainless steel pipe and tube manufacturers. Such goods must not be sold commercially and can only be disposed of as scrap. Manufacturers are required to maintain annual records of these goods and provide them to the Central Government.

The Order also exempts goods or articles manufactured or imported before its implementation by manufacturers certified by the Bureau or those who have applied for certification. These manufacturers may continue to sell, display, or offer their declared stock for sale for up to six months after the Order comes into effect, provided they submit a declaration to the Bureau.