Cookware and Utensils (Quality Control) Order, 2023

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has released the Cookware and Utensils (Quality Control) Order 2023 to regulate the quality of cookware and utensils. This order mandates adherence to specific Indian Standards, introduces certification and enforcement mechanisms, and outlines penalties for non-compliance.

This order ensures that cookware and utensils adhere to prescribed Indian Standards, enhancing consumer safety and product quality. It requires the use of the Standard Mark through licensing by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under Scheme-1 of Schedule-II of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. The order includes exemptions for domestically manufactured goods meant for export. The BIS is designated as the authority responsible for certification and enforcement, ensuring compliance. Non-compliance with the order is subject to penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. The order provides a table specifying applicable Indian Standards for various types of cookware and utensils.

Conclusion: The Cookware and Utensils (Quality Control) Order 2023 is a pivotal step towards ensuring the safety and quality of cookware and utensils available in the market. By enforcing adherence to Indian Standards and introducing certification mechanisms, the order enhances consumer trust and confidence in these products.

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MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

(Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade)

ORDER

New Delhi, the 9th August, 2023

S.O. 3583(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), 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 and Utensils (Quality Control) Order, 2023.

(2) It shall come into force with effect from six months from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette:

Provided that for 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 twelve months from the date of publication of this notification.

Provided that for 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 nine months from the date of publication of this notification.

2. Compulsory use of Standard Mark.- Goods or articles specified in column (1) of the Table below shall conform to the corresponding Indian Standard mentioned 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.

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

Note: For the purposes of this Table, the latest version of Indian Standards including the amendments issues 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.