New Delhi, Oct 26 : The government has introduced mandatory quality norms for police force helmets, bottled water dispensers, and door fittings in an effort to reduce the import of sub-standard products and promote domestic manufacturing. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) issued three separate notifications on October 23, 2023: Helmets for Police Force, Civil Defence and Personal Protection (Quality Control) Order, 2023; Bottled Water Dispensers (Quality Control) Order, 2023; and Door Fittings (Quality Control) Order, 2023.
Under these orders, products cannot be produced, sold, traded, imported, or stocked unless they bear the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mark. These orders will be enforced six months from the date of publication of the notifications, as stated by the DPIIT.
To support small and micro industries, ensure smooth implementation of the Quality Control Orders (QCO), and facilitate ease of doing business, small industries are granted an additional nine months, while micro industries receive an additional 12 months for compliance, according to the department.
DPIIT, in collaboration with BIS and stakeholders, has identified key products for the notification of QCO, resulting in the development of over 60 new QCOs covering 318 product standards.
Violations of the BIS Act can lead to imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of at least Rs 2 lakh for the first offense. For second and subsequent offenses, the fine can increase to a minimum of Rs 5 lakh and go up to 10 times the value of goods or articles.
The DPIIT is actively engaged in several initiatives, including the development of QCOs, aimed at promoting quality awareness among users and manufacturers. These initiatives, combined with the establishment of quality testing labs and product manuals, will contribute to the creation of a quality ecosystem in the country.
Mandatory QCOs play a crucial role in preventing the import of sub-standard products, discouraging unfair trade practices, and ensuring the safety and well-being of consumers and the environment. These initiatives, in conjunction with the development of testing labs, product manuals, and accreditation of test labs, will foster the development of a quality ecosystem in India. Previously, similar orders were issued for various products, including smart meters, welding rods and electrodes, cookware and utensils, fire extinguishers, electric ceiling fans, and domestic gas stoves.
