Government rolls out mandatory quality norms for solder wires - 19 Sep 2023

Here is the latest update from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The Indian government has taken a significant step towards ensuring the quality and safety of electronics and engineering products by issuing mandatory quality norms for solder wires.

What's Happening?

On September 18, 2023, the DPIIT issued a notification regarding the "Flux Cored Solder Wire (Quality Control) Order, 2023." These quality norms are aimed at curbing the import of sub-standard goods and promoting domestic manufacturing in the electronics and engineering sectors.

Key Highlights:

• Products falling under the Flux Cored Solder Wire (Quality Control) Order, 2023 cannot be produced, sold, traded, imported, or stocked unless they bear the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mark.
• Implementation of these orders will begin six months from the date of publication of the notification, as per DPIIT.
• Soldering is a critical process in industries such as electronics and automobiles. Quality solder wires are essential to ensure the quality and safety of the products.

Why is this Important?

The DPIIT emphasized that the implementation of these quality control norms is crucial for the safety of consumers and will enhance manufacturing quality standards in the country. It will also act as a barrier against the import of sub-standard products into India.

• Legal Consequences: Violating the provisions of the BIS Act can result in imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of at least Rs 2 lakh for the first offence. For second and subsequent offences, the fine may increase significantly.
• Support for Micro and Small Industries: To support domestic micro and small industries, the DPIIT has provided relaxations in terms of the timeline for implementing the Quality Control Order (QCO).
• Building a Quality Ecosystem: The DPIIT is actively working on various initiatives to promote quality sensitization among users and manufacturers. This includes developing quality testing labs and product manuals, all of which will contribute to building a quality ecosystem in the country.
• The Bigger Picture: Mandatory Quality Control Orders play a crucial role in curbing the import of sub-standard products, preventing unfair trade practices, and ensuring the safety of consumers and the environment. These measures are in line with the government's efforts to enhance the quality of domestically manufactured products and protect the well-being of its citizens.

Expanding the Horizon: This is part of a broader effort by the DPIIT to identify key products requiring the implementation of Quality Control Orders. They are currently developing 60 new QCOs covering 318 product standards, with continuous consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and stakeholders.

What are the Mandatory Norms?

The IS 14563:2022 standard covers a wide range of aspects related to solder wires, including the composition of the solder alloy, the physical and mechanical properties of the solder wire, and the testing methods to be used.

The following are some of the key mandatory quality norms for solder wires as per the IS 14563:2022 standard:

• The composition of the solder alloy must be within the specified limits.
• The solder wire must have a uniform diameter and be free from defects such as cracks, voids, and inclusions.
• The solder wire must have a good tensile strength and elongation.
• The solder wire must have a good wetting ability and spreadability.
• The solder wire must be free from harmful impurities such as arsenic, antimony, and cadmium.

Stay tuned for more updates on how these initiatives will shape the future of manufacturing and quality standards in India.

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