The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has introduced two new Quality Control Orders (QCOs). These orders concern ‘Potable Water Bottles’ and ‘Flame-Producing Lighters’. The introduction of these QCOs intends to bolster the quality infrastructure in India, safeguarding consumers’ public health and safety.
Key Points Relating to the New Quality Control Orders
It’s important to note the details of these new QCOs. The QCO for ‘Potable water bottles’ demands mandatory certification under the relevant IS Standard for both production and import of potable water bottles, regardless of whether they are made from copper, stainless steel or aluminum.
Meanwhile, the QCO for ‘Flame-Producing Lighter’ requires compulsory certification under IS Standards for ‘Safety Specification for Lighters’ and ‘Safety Specifications for Utility Lighters.’ This applies to flame lighters manufactured for the domestic market or imported into India.
Understanding Quality Control Orders (QCOs)
QCOs are regulatory procedures put in place by the government to establish quality standards for specific products or categories. These orders are conceived to assure that products meet particular prescribed qualities, safety measures, and performance requirements before they can be manufactured, imported, stored, or sold in the country.
QCOs primarily aim to control the import of sub-par and cheaper items into the domestic market. They ensure customers have access to quality products that adhere to necessary standards. It’s noteworthy that QCOs cannot be legally disputed at the World Trade Organization (WTO) if they’ve been enforced on health, safety, environment and deceptive trade practices, or national security grounds.
The Role of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) with QCOs
BIS plays a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with the quality standards outlined in the QCOs. As the responsible body, BIS certifies products that align with the prescribed standards. This applies to both domestic and international manufacturers.
With the introduction of the new QCOs, the manufacturing, storage and sale of non-BIS certified products are strictly prohibited under the BIS Act, 2016. The act serves to support and reinforce the proper implementation and observance of the QCOs in order to ensure public safety and health while simultaneously enhancing India’s quality ecosystem.