OVERVIEW

9^TH AUGUST 2023

In the effort to ensure the safety of fire extinguishers, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in India has issued an Order, effective from the 9th of August, 2023. This Fire Extinguishers (Quality Control) Order focuses on the mandatory compliance of goods or articles with specific Indian Standards mentioned in the Table. The Order becomes effective six months from its publication in the Official Gazette, but different timelines apply for Micro and Small Enterprises, with twelve months and nine months, respectively, from the publication date.

According to this BIS QCO for the portable fire extinguishers performance and construction, all Fire Extinguishers must meet specific Indian Standards, including 15683:2018 Portable Fire Extinguishers Performance and Construction.

The Bureau of Indian Standards is designated as the certifying and enforcing authority for the specified goods. Any violation of the Order's provisions incurs penalties as per the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

BIS QCO for the portable fire extinguishers performance and construction mandates the use of the Standard Mark, obtained through a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards, for goods listed in the Table. Notably, this requirement doesn't apply to goods manufactured domestically for export purposes.

This BIS QCO for the portable fire extinguishers performance and construction stems from the government's exercise of authority conferred by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, emphasizing public interest and the need for quality control. The primary aim is to enhance the quality and safety standards of fire extinguishers in the country.

(Portable Fire Extinguishers Performance and Construction" refers to a set of standards outlining the required performance and construction specifications for portable devices designed to extinguish fires, ensuring their effectiveness and safety in various settings.)

TABLE

QCO - Quality Control Order