OVERVIEW

1^st JANUARY 2023

The Electrical Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2023, issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, aims to regulate electrical accessories in the interest of public safety. Starting its enforcement six months after publication, the order mandates that goods listed in Table-1 and Table-2 conform to specified Indian Standards and bear the Standard Mark under the Bureau of Indian Standards' license. BIS QCO for the electrical accessories (boxes and enclosures for electrical accessories for household and similar fixed electrical installations), emphasizes the quality control of electrical accessories, ensuring they meet established standards to enhance safety and performance. The implementation period varies for small and micro enterprises, taking into account their scale and capacity, with specific timelines for compliance.

Small enterprises have nine months to comply, while micro enterprises are granted twelve months before enforcement. Additionally, goods or articles specified in Table-2 are exempted until eighteen months after the notification's publication. The Bureau of Indian Standards is designated as the certifying and enforcing authority, responsible for ensuring compliance with the order's standards. The order provides flexibility for domestic manufacturing for export, acknowledging the global market.

By this BIS QCO for the electrical accessories (boxes and enclosures for electrical accessories for households and similar fixed electrical installations), the government aims to enhance the quality and safety of electrical accessories in the market. This proactive approach promotes consumer protection, aligns with global quality standards, and supports the growth of small and micro enterprises by allowing them adequate time for adaptation.     

(Boxes and Enclosures for Electrical Accessories for Household and Similar Fixed Electrical Installations are structures designed to contain and protect electrical components used in household and similar fixed electrical setups. These boxes and enclosures ensure the safety, organization, and proper functioning of electrical accessories within residential and comparable settings.)

TABLE 1

TABLE 2

QCO - Quality Control Order