OVERVIEW

1^st JANUARY 2023

In New Delhi, on January 1, 2024, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, issued an important order using the authority granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This order, officially titled the "Electrical Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2023," aims to ensure the quality of certain goods or articles.

This BIS QCO for the electrical accessories (insulating mats for electrical purposes), commonly referred to as the Electrical Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2023, officially begins its enforcement six months after its publication in the Official Gazette.

Goods specified in Table-1 and Table-2 must adhere to the corresponding Indian Standards mentioned in the tables and carry the Standard Mark. This requires obtaining a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards, following Scheme-1 of Schedule-II to the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. Exemptions are provided for goods manufactured domestically for export.

The BIS QCO for the electrical accessories (insulating mats for electrical purposes), application timeline varies based on enterprise size. For small enterprises, it takes effect after nine months, and for micro-enterprises, after twelve months from the publication date. Goods specified in Table-2 are exempt until eighteen months from the publication date. The Bureau of Indian Standards is designated as the certifying and enforcing authority for the goods specified in the tables. Any person found violating the provisions of this order will face penalties as specified.

This BIS QCO for the electrical accessories (insulating mats for electrical purposes), underscores the government's commitment to ensuring the quality of electrical accessories in the market, promoting adherence to Indian Standards, and safeguarding public interest.

(Insulating mats for electrical purposes are specialized safety mats designed to provide insulation and protect workers from electric shocks in environments where electrical equipment is present, ensuring a safe working environment. These mats are made from non-conductive materials to prevent the flow of electric current.)

TABLE 1

TABLE 2

QCO - Quality Control Order