Major Relief for Industry: Government Revokes Quality Control Order for Flux Cored Solder Wire

In a significant move to promote the “Ease of Doing Business,” the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has officially rescinded the Flux Cored Solder Wire (Quality Control) Order, 2023. This decision removes the mandatory requirement for BIS certification on this specific product category, providing immediate regulatory relief to manufacturers and importers across the electronics and soldering sectors.

The revocation was formalized via a notification published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary) on January 12, 2026, under the authority of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

Key Highlights of the Revocation

• Immediate Effect: The rescission of the order is effective from the date of the Gazette publication (January 12, 2026).
• No Mandatory BIS: The requirement for a mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) license under the 2023 QCO is no longer applicable.
• Legal Validity: Actions taken or obligations fulfilled prior to this date remain valid, ensuring no legal ambiguity for past compliance.

Impact on Manufacturers and Importers

The primary implication of this notification is the removal of a significant compliance hurdle.

1. Simplified Imports & Production: Domestic manufacturers and foreign importers can now produce, sell, and trade flux cored solder wire without the mandatory BIS license that was previously stipulated.
2. Cost Reduction: Businesses will save on the costs associated with testing, certification fees, and factory audits required under the QCO regime.
3. Supply Chain Fluidity: The removal of these restrictions is expected to smoothen the supply chain for electronics manufacturing, where solder wire is a critical consumable.

Background: Why Was It Revoked?

The original Quality Control Order (QCO) was notified on September 18, 2023, with the intent to strictly regulate the quality of solder wire entering the Indian market. However, industry feedback and a regulatory reassessment by the Central Government highlighted the need to balance quality assurance with market flexibility.

By revoking the order, the government has signaled a responsive approach to industry needs, opting to reduce the compliance burden where strict mandatory certification may no longer be deemed necessary for trade facilitation.

Conclusion

While the mandatory BIS certification for flux cored solder wire has been lifted, stakeholders are advised to maintain voluntary adherence to quality standards to ensure product reliability. This revocation stands as a testament to the dynamic nature of India’s regulatory landscape, where government policies are frequently reviewed to support industrial growth.