In the next six months, new quality control orders will be implemented for portable water bottles and flame-producing lighters, following the passing of orders on July 5. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, is introducing these new quality control orders (QCOs) to strengthen India’s quality ecosystem and ensure the safety of consumers’ health. The QCO for potable water bottles mandates compulsory certification under the appropriate IS Standard for the production and import of bottles made of copper, stainless steel, or aluminum. Read More Business News on our website.
New Quality Control Order For Portable Water Bottles & Flame-Producing Lighters Manufacturers
Regarding flame-producing lighters, the QCO requires certification under the appropriate IS Standards for safety specifications. This applies to all domestically produced or imported lighters. To support domestic producers, a six-month grace period has been provided before the new quality orders come into effect.
Rajesh Kumar Singh, the Secretary of DPIIT, emphasized that this initiative would not only establish a robust quality ecosystem in India for manufacturing world-class products but also contribute to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and enhance its reputation in terms of quality production. DPIIT, in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), is developing 64 new QCOs that cover 317 product standards. The drafting of each QCO will involve consultation with industry associations and stakeholders.
Once the QCO drafts are approved by the commerce & industry minister and vetted by the Department of Legislative Affairs, they will be uploaded on the World Trade Organisation (WTO) website for a 60-day period, during which member countries can provide comments. DPIIT is also actively establishing quality testing labs, product manuals, and other necessary components to foster the growth of the quality ecosystem in India.
It is important to note that the manufacturing, storage, and sale of non-BIS-certified products are prohibited as per the BIS Act of 2016. Failure to comply with the provisions of the BIS Act can result in penalties, including imprisonment for up to two years or a minimum fine of Rs 2 lakh for the first offense. For subsequent offenses, the fine can increase to a minimum of Rs 5 lakh and may extend up to ten times the value of the goods or articles involved. These guidelines and orders align with the ministry’s objective of improving the quality of products manufactured in India.