On October 23, 2023, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, particularly the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, introduced an important order, S.O. 4649(E). This order focuses on the quality control of helmets designed for police force, civil defense, and personal protection. In this article, we delve into the specifics of this order, its purpose, and the implications it holds for manufacturers and users.
Detailed Analysis:
1. Title and Commencement:
The order, named the “Helmet for Police Force, Civil Defence and Personal Protection (Quality Control) Order, 2023,” states that it will come into force six months from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. This timeline is crucial for manufacturers, ensuring they have adequate time to comply with the quality standards.
2. Conformity to Standards and Compulsory Use of Standard Mark:
This section of the order stipulates that goods or articles related to non-metal helmets used by the police force, civil defense personnel, and for personal protection must adhere to specific Indian Standards as outlined in the Table. These products are also required to bear the Standard Mark, signifying compliance under a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards. The order does not apply to goods or articles manufactured domestically for export.
The order also distinguishes compliance timelines based on the size and nature of enterprises. For micro-enterprises, defined in section 2 of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006, compliance is required twelve months from the date of publication, while small enterprises have nine months to comply.
3. Certification and Enforcement Authority:
The order designates the Bureau of Indian Standards as the certifying and enforcing authority for the specified goods or articles related to helmets. This ensures that the products meet the prescribed standards and safety criteria.
4. Penalty for Contravention:
The article highlights the penalties imposed for non-compliance with the order. Any individual or entity violating the provisions of this order will be subject to penalties as per the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
Table of Indian Standards:
The article provides a comprehensive table specifying the goods or articles covered by the order. It lists the relevant Indian Standards, including “2745:1983” for non-metal helmets for firemen and civil defense personnel, “2925:1984” for industrial safety helmets, and “9562:1980” for non-metal helmets designed for the police force.
Conclusion:
The “Helmet for Police Force, Civil Defence and Personal Protection (Quality Control) Order, 2023,” issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and quality of helmets used by the police force, civil defense, and for personal protection. The order mandates compliance with specific Indian Standards and the use of the Standard Mark.
By designating the Bureau of Indian Standards as the certifying and enforcing authority, this order contributes to enhanced safety and quality control. It promotes consumer protection and sets a higher standard for helmet manufacturing in India, ultimately leading to safer headgear for those in critical roles and for personal protection.
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MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade)
ORDER
New Delhi, the 23rd October, 2023
S.O. 4649(E).— In exercise of the powers conferred by section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 (11 of 2016), the Central Government, after consulting the Bureau of Indian Standards, is of the opinion that it is necessary or expedient so to do in the public interest, hereby makes the following Order, namely:-
1. Short title and commencement. – (1) This Order may be called the Helmet for Police Force, Civil Defence and Personal Protection (Quality Control) Order, 2023.
(2) It shall come into force on the expiry of six months from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette.
2. Conformity to standards and compulsory use of Standard Mark. – Goods or articles specified in column (1) of the Table shall conform to the corresponding Indian Standard mentioned in column (2) of the Table and shall bear the Standard Mark under a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards as per Scheme-1 of Schedule-II to the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018:
Provided that nothing in this Order shall apply to goods or articles manufactured domestically for export.
Provided further that in relation to micro enterprises, as defined under clauses (h) and (m), respectively of Section 2 of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006 (27 of 2006), it shall come into force on the expiry of twelve months from the date of publication of this notification.
Provided also that in relation to small enterprises, as defined under clauses (h) and (m), respectively of Section 2 of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006 (27 of 2006), it shall come into force on the expiry of nine months from the date of publication of this notification.
3. Certification and enforcement authority. – The Bureau shall be the certifying and enforcing authority for the goods or articles specified in the Table.
4. Penalty for contravention. – Any person who contravenes the provisions of this Order shall be punishable under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
TABLE
|
Goods or articles |
Indian Standard | Title of Indian Standard |
| (1) | (2) | (3) |
| Non-metal helmet for firemen and civil defence personnel | 2745:1983 | Specification for non-metal helmet for firemen and civil defence personnel |
| Industrial safety helmets | 2925:1984 | Specification for industrial safety helmets |
| Non- metal helmet for Police Force | 9562:1980 | Non- metal helmet for Police Force |
Note : For the purposes of this Table, the latest version of Indian Standards including the amendments thereof, as notified by the Bureau of Indian Standards from time to time shall apply.
[F. No. P-29026/21/2023-LEI]
SANJIV, Jt. Secy.
