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Counterfeit BIS certificates are being used for the importation of steel products.

Global steel sector grapples with upholding consistency in quality throughout its international supply network

Counterfeit BIS-certified steel being illegally brought into the country
Counterfeit BIS-certified steel being illegally brought into the country

Counterfeit BIS certificates are being used for the importation of steel products.

In a concerning development, it has been reported that the Indian market is being inundated with substandard imports, primarily low-quality steel from unauthorized factories in China and Southeast Asia. These imports, falsely labelled as BIS-approved, are compromising quality and putting public safety at risk.

One such instance involves the Vietnamese company, Inox Hoah Binh Joint Stock Company, which has been accused of misusing its BIS certificate for exporting non-certified stainless steel grades. This practice is particularly concerning in critical areas like construction and infrastructure.

The steel industry continues to face challenges in maintaining quality standards across its global supply chain. Ajay Srivastava, founder of GTRI, has stated this issue. Some importers are falsely labelling uncertified steel grades as BIS-approved, bypassing safety and quality regulations, and weakening trust in certified products.

The misuse of BIS certificates is not limited to a specific country or company. In fact, it has been reported with both Chinese and Vietnamese companies. Guangdong Runxin Industrial Investment, a Chinese company, had previously alerted Indian Customs about the misuse of its BIS certificate. In response, the company launched an online verification platform - www.runxinbis.com - to prevent the misuse of its BIS certificate. Guangdong Runxin Industrial Investment also urged customs officials to verify shipments before clearing them.

However, no information is provided about any measures being taken to address this problem. The influx of non-certified goods can create unfair competition for businesses complying with BIS standards, potentially impacting the Exim Bank's export projections for the September quarter, as projected a 4.5% growth in good exports. The exact impact, though, remains unclear.

This issue is a significant concern for the Exim Bank, as well as for the overall economy. The BIS certificate of Inox Hoah Binh Joint Stock Company has been used fraudulently without adequate verification at Customs, putting public safety at risk and harming domestic manufacturers following strict quality norms.

As the steel industry grapples with these challenges, it is essential for authorities to take swift action to protect consumers and businesses alike. Ensuring the authenticity of BIS certificates and maintaining quality standards across the global supply chain is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring a safe and fair market.

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