Cookware, Utensils and Cans for foods and beverages (Quality Control) Order 2024

Introduction: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, has issued a new quality control order concerning Cookware, Utensils, and Cans for foods and beverages. This article delves into the details of this order, analyzing its provisions and implications.

Detailed Analysis:

1. Legal Framework: The order is enacted under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, superseding the previous quality control order from 2023. It mandates adherence to Indian Standards and the use of Standard Marks for specified goods.

2. Commencement Date: Effective from September 1, 2024, the order establishes a timeline for compliance, with specific dates for small and micro-enterprises, ensuring a phased implementation approach.

3. Compulsory Use of Standard Mark: Goods specified in the order must conform to corresponding Indian Standards and display the Standard Mark, as per Bureau of Indian Standards regulations. However, exemptions are provided for goods intended for export.

4. Certification and Enforcement: The Bureau of Indian Standards is designated as the certifying and enforcing authority, tasked with ensuring compliance with quality standards for the specified goods.

5. Provisions for Small and Micro Enterprises: The order includes provisions for small and micro-enterprises, offering a grace period for compliance to facilitate smoother transition and minimize disruptions.

Conclusion: The issuance of the Cookware, Utensils, and Cans (Quality Control) Order 2024 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring product quality and consumer safety. By enforcing adherence to Indian Standards and certification requirements, the order aims to enhance the quality of cookware and utensils in the market. It is imperative for stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the provisions of this order and ensure timely compliance to avoid penalties and uphold industry best practices.

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MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade)
ORDER
New Delhi, the 14th March, 2024

S.O. 1365(E).—In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-sections (1) and (2) of section 16 read with section 17 and sub-section (3) of section 25 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 (11 of 2016) and in supersession of the Cookware and Utensils (Quality Control) Order, 2023, except as respects things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, 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 Cookware, Utensils and Cans for foods and beverages (Quality Control) Order 2024.

(2) Save as otherwise provided in this order, it shall come into force on the 1st September, 2024.

2. Compulsory use of Standard Mark.- Goods or articles specified in the Column (1) of the Table shall conform to the corresponding Indian Standard specified in Column (2) of the said Table and shall bear the Standard Mark under a license from the Bureau as per Scheme-1 of Schedule-II of 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 Small Enterprises as defined under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006 (27 of 2006), it shall come into force with effect from the 1^st December, 2024:

Provided also that in relation to Micro Enterprises as defined under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006 (27 of 2006), it shall come into force with effect from the 1^st March, 2025:

Provided also that nothing in this Order shall apply to goods or articles manufactured domestically by an enterprise, registered under “Udyam portal” of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, wherein the investment in plant and machinery or equipment at original cost does not exceed twenty-five lakh rupees and the turnover does not exceed two crore rupees for the previous financial year as certified by a Chartered Accountant.

3. Certification and enforcement authority.- The Bureau shall be the certifying and enforcing authority for the goods or articles specified in the Column (1) of the said Table.

TABLE

Note:- For the purposes of this Table, the latest version of Indian Standards including the amendments issued thereof, as notified by the Bureau of Indian Standards from time to time shall apply from the date of such notification.

[F. No. P-29026/14/2023-LEI]
SANJIV, Jt. Secy.