No disruptions in copper supplies due to quality control: Mines Ministry

The Mines Ministry does not expect any disruption in copper supplies after enforcement of quality control orders. An official statement said there are four domestic Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certified suppliers and four foreign BIS certified suppliers selling copper in the country.

“Another two certifications are expected by mid-December 2024, so no serious supply side constraint is envisaged,” the Ministry said while allaying concerns of supply shortages or price cartelisation with quality control regime kicking-in.

Copper (Quality Control) Order was introduced by the Mines Ministry in August 2023. It was set to take effect on November 30, 2023. The goal was to improve quality control for non-ferrous metals like copper. Its implementation was deferred twice at the request of the domestic industry and is in force from December 1 onwards.


“A sufficient period of 15 months, from August 31, 2023, onwards was allowed to the domestic and foreign suppliers of Copper cathodes to obtain the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification,” the Ministry said.

ET reported in June last year that a Quality Control regime would be introduced by the Mines Ministry to discourage substandard imports. The move regulates the sale of these metals, making it mandatory for sellers to adopt the ratings followed by BIS.

With the implementation of the QCOs, manufacturing, storing and sale of non-BIS certified products is prohibited as per the BIS Act, 2016. The violation of the provision of the BIS Act can attract a penalty of imprisonment up to two years or with fine of at least Rs 2 lakh for the first offence.

In case of second and subsequent offences, the fine will increase to Rs 5 lakh minimum and extend up to ten times the value of goods or articles.