BIS QCO FOR THE MEDICAL TEXTILES (SHOE COVERS)

OVERVIEW

27^th SEPTEMBER 2023

 The Indian Ministry of Textiles has introduced a new rule called the Medical Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023. This decision was made by the Central Government, using the authority provided by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. The purpose behind this rule is to ensure that medical textiles meet specific quality standards for public safety and well-being.

The order, effective from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, applies to certain goods or articles listed in Schedule A and Schedule B. However, it excludes items intended for export and those produced by Self Help Groups (SHGs).

To better understand the application exclusion for SHGs, these are small, informal groups comprising 10 to 20 individuals with similar social and economic backgrounds. They voluntarily join together to promote savings habits and work towards common goals, pooling and managing resources for mutual benefits. In regions where communities are dispersed or in hilly and predominantly tribal areas, smaller groups of at least 5 members form these SHGs.

According to the BIS QCO for the medical textiles (shoe covers) goods or articles listed in Schedule A and Schedule B, adherence to specific Indian Standards mentioned in the schedules is mandatory. To obtain the required Standard Mark, a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards is necessary, following Scheme – I of Schedule – II to the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

The Bureau of Indian Standards is entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that the goods or articles specified in Schedule A and Schedule B comply with this rule. Violating the provisions of this order can lead to penalties as per the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. BIS QCO for the medical textiles (shoe covers) aims to maintain high-quality standards in medical textiles, contributing to the overall safety and reliability of products in the textile industry, ultimately benefiting the public.                                                          

SCHEDULE–A

SCHEDULE–B

QCO - Quality Control Order