The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, specifically the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, has introduced a significant order, S.O. 4647(E), on October 23, 2023. This order pertains to the quality control of bottled water dispensers in India. In this article, we delve into the details of this order, its scope, and the impact it has on the industry.
1. Title and Commencement: The order, titled the “Bottled Water Dispensers (Quality Control) Order, 2023,” outlines the timeline for its enforcement. It is set to come into effect six months from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
2. Conformity to Standard and Compulsory Use of Standard Mark: This section is pivotal to the order as it mandates that goods or articles related to bottled water dispensers adhere to specific Indian Standards as detailed in the Table. It is essential that these products bear the Standard Mark, indicating compliance under a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards. Notably, the order does not apply to goods or articles manufactured domestically for export.
The order also specifies distinct timelines for compliance based on the size and nature of enterprises. For micro-enterprises, 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 bottled water dispensers. This ensures that products adhere to the prescribed standards and quality benchmarks.
4. Penalty for Contravention: The article highlights the penalties imposed for non-compliance. Any individual or entity contravening the provisions of this order is subject to penalties as per the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
5. Table of Indian Standards: The article provides a detailed table that specifies the goods or articles falling under the order’s purview. It lists the relevant Indian Standard, “17681:2022,” pertaining to bottled water dispensers. It emphasizes that the latest version of Indian Standards, along with any amendments, as notified by the Bureau of Indian Standards, shall apply.
6. Conclusion: The “Bottled Water Dispensers (Quality Control) Order, 2023,” issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the quality and standards of bottled water dispensers in India. The order necessitates that these products conform to specified Indian Standards and bear the Standard Mark. It also provides clear timelines for compliance based on enterprise size and designates the Bureau of Indian Standards as the certification and enforcement authority.
This order serves to safeguard consumers’ interests, uphold industry standards, and maintain the quality of bottled water dispensers. It is a significant step towards promoting quality control and consumer safety in the industry.
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade)
ORDER
New Delhi, the 23rd October, 2023
S.O. 4647(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 Bottled water dispensers (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 Standard 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 also that in relation to micro enterprises, as defined under the 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 further that in relation to small enterprises, as defined under the 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 of Indian Standards 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) |
| Bottled Water Dispensers | 17681: 2022 |
Bottled water dispensers |
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-29026/17/2023-LEI]
SANJIV, Jt. Secy.
