KOLKATA: Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA), an apex body representing the stainless steel industry has said the recent government decision to introduce a Stainless Steel Quality Control Order (QCO), 2016 is mandatory for the stainless steel manufacturer --be it a domestic or foreign producer --rather than the end user. ISSDA has also pointed out that the order will have a minimum impact on the stainless steel utensils market since it does not cover stainless steel containing less than 1% of nickel. The onus to supply ISI marked stainless steel therefore, rests exclusively on the stainless steel manufacturer rather than the end user," Mathur added.In the recent past, the government has been issuing steel quality control orders to rein in poor quality and defective steel products being imported into the country. "The QCO does not cover raw material (stainless steel) containing less than 1% nickel, while stainless steel containing less than 1% nickel is majorly used for kitchen utensils. This provision will be applicable to all stainless steel products falling under the above mentioned standards, whether it is manufactured in India or is being imported into India.

Source: Economic Times June 13, 2016 14:26 UTC