DGQA to carry out random inspection

The Defence Ministry is allowing private industrial companies and public sector units, having system to meet requisite ISO standards, to self-certify the quality of products they make for the armed forces.

Manufacturing companies, which have consistently produced defect-free products will only be allowed to carry out self-certification.

For eligibility, it is for Defence PSUs and private vendors having consistently maintained supplier rating of above 90% and process capability index greater than 1.33, quality management system certified as per ISO 9001:2015 and test laboratories in conformity with ISO/IEC 17025, stressed a policy issued on 13 May 2019.

At present, Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) of the Ministry’s Department of Defence Production certify all products being supplied to the forces.

In light of the government reiterating self-reliance in the manufacture of defence products, this scheme assumes greater importance, said the policy.

The DGQA would be the authority to issue self-certification status to the suppliers on the basis of recommendations of an assessment team. It would be for three years with provision to withdraw earlier if the situation warrants.

The DGQA would also be free to carry out random audit of the processes and quality system of the supplier though it would not issue inspection notes.

The move is seen as “ease of doing business and a fillip to the make in India initiative” among others, said industry observers, calling for ensuring stringent quality certification systems of products for the highly sensitive defence sector.

Manufacturers with state-of-the-art facilities and international reputation will be given the freedom of self-certification of their products and would have to ensure highest ISO standards, said the observers. fiinews.com