BIS QCO FOR THE COOKWARE AND UTENSILS (ROUND OPEN TOP SANITARY CANS FOR FOODS AND DRINKS- TINPLATE)

OVERVIEW

9^th AUGUST 2023

The Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry, under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, issued an Order on August 9, 2023, with the aim of ensuring the quality control of cookware and utensils. This Order, titled the Cookware and Utensils (Quality Control) Order, 2023, is scheduled to come into effect six months from its publication in the Official Gazette. The BIS QCO for the cookware and utensils (round open top sanitary cans for foods and drinks- tinplate) emphasizes the importance of adhering to standards for Micro Enterprises and Small Enterprises, as defined by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006. For small businesses known as Micro Enterprises, the rules start applying one year after they are officially announced. As for even smaller businesses called Small Enterprises, the rules kick in nine months after the announcement. Under this order, all Cookware and Utensils must adhere to specific Indian Standards, including 9396 (Part 1): 1987 (Round Open Top Sanitary Cans for Foods and Drinks- Tinplate).

One significant aspect of the BIS QCO for the cookware and utensils (round open top sanitary cans for foods and drinks- tinplate) is the compulsory use of the Standard Mark. Goods or articles specified in the provided Table must conform to the corresponding Indian Standard mentioned. They are required to bear the Standard Mark under a license from the Bureau, following Scheme-1 of Schedule-II of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. It's noteworthy that the Order excludes goods or articles manufactured domestically for export from its applicability.

According to the BIS QCO for the cookware and utensils (round open-top sanitary cans for foods and drinks- tinplate) violations of the provisions outlined in this Order can result in penalties for individuals or entities contravening its requirements. This BIS QCO for the cookware and utensils (round open-top sanitary cans for foods and drinks- tinplate) serves as a regulatory framework to ensure the quality control of cookware and utensils in India, setting standards and timelines for compliance based on enterprise size. It reflects the government's commitment to promoting quality and conformity in the industry for the benefit of consumers and businesses alike.

TABLE

QCO - Quality Control Order