Govt extends date of enforcement of Stainless Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2016 by 3 months

New Delhi, Sep 9 (KNN) In a move that would benefit the MSME sector, the Ministry of Steel has extended the date of enforcement of Stainless Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2016 by three months.

The decision has been taken after the Steel Minister Birender Singh held wide-ranging consultations with various stakeholders and exhorted the stainless steel industry to be a partner in government drive to encourage use of quality steel.

“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,” said an official statement.

In the meeting with the Minister, which was attended by producers, traders, merchants and users, each side put forth their issues and concerns in detail.

Singh, who was chairing the meeting, 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, 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 austenitic 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.