- Phased compliance timeline introduced for MSMEs
- Order aims to strengthen manufacturing quality ecosystem
The Government of India has introduced a new regulatory framework aimed at improving product quality and standardisation in the aluminium sector. The Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy Products (Quality Control) Order, 2026 has been notified by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and published in the Gazette of India on 11 March 2026.
Issued under Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, the new order replaces the earlier Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy Products (Quality Control) Order, 2025. The measure mandates that specified aluminium products must comply with relevant Indian Standards and carry certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
The move is part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen quality control in manufacturing sectors and ensure that aluminium products used across industries meet recognized safety and performance standards.
Mandatory BIS standard mark requirement
Under the new order, all aluminium goods and articles listed in the notification must conform to the corresponding Indian Standards specified in the schedule. In addition, these products must bear the BIS Standard Mark issued under a valid licence.
Certification will be granted under Scheme-I of Schedule II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, ensuring that manufacturers follow established conformity assessment procedures before selling products in the domestic market.
This mandatory certification requirement is intended to improve product reliability and maintain uniform quality across the aluminium value chain.
Products covered under the order
The quality control order applies to a broad range of aluminium and aluminium alloy products used across sectors such as infrastructure, engineering, electrical equipment, packaging, aerospace, and household utensils.
The following table lists the key products covered under the notification along with their corresponding Indian Standards.
Implementation timeline for industries
The order introduces a phased implementation approach to allow smaller enterprises time to comply with the new certification requirements. Several products listed in the notification must comply immediately upon publication of the order, particularly those used in irrigation, pharmaceutical packaging, and aerospace applications.
For a number of general engineering aluminium products, compliance will begin on 1 December 2026 for large enterprises, followed by 1 March 2027 for small enterprises and 1 June 2027 for micro enterprises. This staggered schedule aims to minimize disruptions while giving micro, small, and medium enterprises sufficient time to obtain BIS certification.
Exemptions provided under the order
The notification also includes certain exemptions to facilitate international trade and research activities. Products manufactured domestically for export are exempt from the provisions of the order, allowing exporters to comply with international standards required by overseas markets.
In addition, manufacturers are permitted to import up to 200 kilograms of aluminium products per year for research and development purposes without complying with the quality control order. However, these products cannot be sold commercially and must be disposed of as scrap after use. Companies must also maintain annual records of such imports and provide them to the government when required.
Certification authority and enforcement
The Bureau of Indian Standards will act as the certifying and enforcement authority for all goods covered under the order. Manufacturers must obtain a valid BIS licence before applying the standard mark on regulated aluminium products.
Any violation of the provisions will attract penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, which may include fines or other legal action against manufacturers, importers, or sellers who fail to comply with the certification requirements.
Outlook
The Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy Products Quality Control Order, 2026 represents a significant step toward strengthening quality standards in India’s aluminium industry. By mandating BIS certification for a wide range of aluminium products used in engineering, electrical infrastructure, packaging, and household goods, the government aims to enhance product reliability and consumer safety.
The order is also expected to improve standardization across the sector and encourage manufacturers to adopt better quality control practices. Over time, this regulatory push could help strengthen India’s manufacturing ecosystem and enhance the competitiveness of domestically produced aluminium products in both domestic and global markets.
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