BIS for Aluminium Products in India: What the 2026 QCO Means for You

Aluminium bars, sheets, foil, and composite panels are everyday inputs for construction, packaging, electrical, and engineering businesses. Under the Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy Products (Quality Control) Order, 2026, many of them now need BIS certification and the ISI Mark. Some products are already covered; others follow on 1 December 2026 for larger enterprises. This guide explains who is affected and what to do. For licensing support, see our BIS certification services in India.

Key takeaways

• The order was issued on 11 March 2026 and supersedes the 2025 order.
• It covers 17 aluminium product standards, certified under the ISI Mark route.
• Some products became mandatory immediately; the rest are phased in.
• Large and medium enterprises face the second-phase date of 1 December 2026.
• Small enterprises get until 1 March 2027, and micro enterprises until 1 June 2027.

Contents

1. How the 2026 order works
2. Products and standards covered
3. Phased deadlines
4. Who must comply
5. How to get certified
6. Common mistakes
7. Consequences of non-compliance
8. FAQs

1. How the 2026 order works

The order replaces the 2025 version. It splits covered products into two groups: those that must conform immediately, and those with a deferred date. This gives industry time to arrange testing and licences for the second group.

2. Products and standards covered

The order notifies 17 standards in total. Check the schedule in the official notification for the complete list.

3. Phased deadlines

Products such as irrigation tubes, pharmaceutical foil, composite panels, and aerospace forgings were covered from the date of the order. For the deferred group, which includes general engineering wrought products and electrical-use products, the dates are:

4. Who must comply

Manufacturers in India need a BIS licence for each covered product. Importers must ensure the goods carry the mark. Traders and distributors should check that their suppliers hold valid licences, since stock without the mark can be held up.

5. How to get certified

1. Map your products to the IS standards and to the immediate or deferred group.
2. Prepare the application: business proof, factory details, and process information.
3. Test samples at a BIS-recognised lab.
4. Apply to BIS and complete the factory inspection.
5. Receive the licence and print the Standard Mark with your licence number.

6. Common mistakes

• Treating all 17 standards as having one deadline.
• Assuming the 2025 order’s scope still applies.
• Starting only in November. Test slots and audits take time before 1 December.
• Ignoring downstream buyers, who may ask for the licence before the legal date.
• Sourcing from a supplier without checking its licence covers the exact standard.

7. Consequences of non-compliance

Making, importing, or selling covered products without the mark violates the BIS Act, 2016. Risks include penalties, customs holds, and loss of tenders or listings.

FAQs

Is BIS certification mandatory for aluminium products in India?
Yes, for the products and standards notified under the Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy Products (Quality Control) Order, 2026.

When did the aluminium QCO 2026 come into force?
It was issued on 11 March 2026. Some products were covered immediately, and the rest follow deferred dates.

What is the deadline for large and medium enterprises?
1 December 2026 for the deferred group of products.

Do small and micro enterprises have more time?
Yes. Small enterprises have until 1 March 2027, and micro enterprises until 1 June 2027 for the deferred group.

Conclusion

If you make, import, or trade aluminium products, sort your portfolio into the immediate and deferred groups today. With the first deferred deadline close, begin testing and licence applications now. For support, see our BIS certification services in India.

Related guides: BIS for Furniture in India | BIS for Electrical Appliances in India