New Delhi (PTI): The government has exempted three crucial steel items used in construction and packaging sectors from the list of mandatory quality control order, a move that could increase the supply of low quality metal.
Among the items exempted from compulsory certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) are TMT bars, structural steel and tin plates, a government official said.
These steel products are used not only for construction purposes but also by food companies for ready-to-eat products, canned juices and soft drinks.
Besides exempting three steel items from quality control order, the government has deferred the certification on eight others till February 12, 2010.
Had the mandatory certification on 11 steel items come into effect from last month, the producers and importers would have required to seek BIS certification for their products, which as of now is optional.
"This would have not only ensured safety of housing and infrastructure, but also health of human beings," an industry expert said.
Steel Secretary P K Rastogi admitted such certifications are desirable in the long run, but said the practical aspects of implementing the same also needs to be looked after.
"Of the total long steel production, over 50 per cent is by secondary producers, who are not well-equipped to go for the mandatory norms now," Rastogi said.
Source : The Hindu