ISSDA for implementation of stainless steel QCO

Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA) has urged Ministry of Steel for immediate implementation of Quality Control Order (QCO) for stainless steel flat products.

The QCO, till date has been deferred twice earlier.

ISSDA now calls for immediate implementation of the stainless steel QCO to safeguard the interest of the consumers, a statement issued by ISSDA here.

K K Pahuja, President-ISSDA said on both the occasions, the deferment of the stainless steel QCO was based on the plea that enough number of domestic as well as foreign manufacturers had not been able to get the required BIS certification.

"It is now pertinent to note that over 18 licenses have been issued to domestic producers for the three IS standards on stainless steel and around 4-5 foreign manufacturers have also received clearances from BIS with respect to the samples submitted for testing," Pahuja said.

"Moreover, there was also an apprehension that the implementation of the stainless steel QCO would hurt supplies to downstream industries. The QCO covers only 25 grades of stainless steel falling under the three IS standards, namely IS 6911, IS 5522 and IS 15997.

"All these grades are widely manufactured in India and the implementation of the QCO would not affect supplies in any manner as both domestic and foreign manufacturers have the licenses for these grades," Pahuja added.