The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has recently announced two new Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for ‘Resin treated compressed wood laminates’ and ‘Insulated Flask, Bottles and Containers for Domestic Use.’ These QCOs, set to take effect six months after their notification, are designed to foster a quality ecosystem in India while ensuring consumer safety and well-being. The mandatory certification requirements specified in these orders aim to curb the import of sub-standard products, prevent unfair trade practices, and elevate the quality of domestically manufactured goods.
Analysis: The QCO for ‘Resin treated compressed wood laminates’ necessitates compliance with the IS Standard for ‘Resin treated compressed wood laminates (compregs)- for electrical, chemical, and general purposes.’ This certification applies to products intended for the domestic market or imported into India. Similarly, the QCO for ‘Insulated Flask, Bottles, and Containers for Domestic Use’ mandates adherence to the IS Standards for ‘Insulated Flask for Domestic Use,’ ‘Domestic Stainless steel vacuum flask/bottle,’ and ‘Insulated Container for Food Storage.’ These measures seek to enhance the quality standards of manufacturing in the country while bolstering the reputation of ‘Made in India’ products.
The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, has emphasized the significance of manufacturing top-quality goods, highlighting their potential for global success. By establishing a robust quality control regime, the DPIIT aims to promote quality awareness among manufacturers and users alike. While the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) sets voluntary standards, QCOs introduce mandatory certification, compelling compliance with specific Indian Standards outlined by the Central Government. The objective behind these notifications is to prevent the influx of sub-standard imports, deter unfair trade practices, and safeguard human, animal, and plant health, as well as the environment.
The implementation of QCOs is expected to not only elevate manufacturing quality standards but also enhance the brand reputation and value of products bearing the ‘Made in India’ label. This comprehensive approach includes the development of quality testing labs, product manuals, and other initiatives aimed at fostering a quality-driven ecosystem in India.
The DPIIT has been engaged in continuous collaboration with the BIS, resulting in the development of 64 new QCOs encompassing 317 product standards. Extensive consultations with key industry associations and members have been undertaken to gather input and comments for each QCO. Following industry feedback, the draft QCOs undergo approval by the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry and legal vetting by the Department of Legislative Affairs. They are subsequently published on the World Trade Organisation (WTO) website for a 60-day period to invite comments from WTO member countries.
To facilitate the smooth implementation of QCOs, support domestic micro and small industries, and ensure ease of doing business, certain relaxations have been granted, particularly regarding the timeline for compliance.
Non-BIS certified products will be prohibited for manufacturing, storage, and sale upon the implementation of QCOs, as mandated by the BIS Act of 2016. Violations of this provision can result in penalties, including imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of at least Rs 2 lakh for the first offense. Subsequent offenses may incur fines of at least Rs 5 lakh or up to ten times the value of the goods or articles.
Conclusion: The Government of India, through these initiatives, aspires to create world-class products of exceptional quality, aligning with the vision of an “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) set forth by the Prime Minister. The introduction of QCOs for ‘Resin treated compressed wood laminates’ and ‘Insulated Flask, Bottles, and Containers for Domestic Use’ is a significant step towards establishing a robust quality control framework, fostering public health and safety, and promoting the manufacturing of top-notch goods within India. By enforcing mandatory certifications and enhancing the value of ‘Made in India’ products, these measures aim to strengthen the Indian economy and bolster its global presence.
Full Text of the Relevant Press Release is as follows:-
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
DPIIT notifies Quality Control Orders for ‘Resin treated compressed wood laminates’ and ‘Insulated Flask, Bottles and Containers for Domestic Use’
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry has notified 2 new Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for ‘Resin treated compressed wood laminates’ and ‘Insulated Flask, Bottles and Containers for Domestic Use’, on 14th July 2023. The QCOs will come into force six months from the date of notification. In addition to development of a quality ecosystem in India, these QCOs will also ensure public health and safety of the consumers.
The QCO for ‘Resin treated compressed wood laminates’ mandates compulsory certification under IS Standard for ‘Resin treated compressed wood laminates (compregs)- for electrical, chemical and general purposes’ for the products manufactured for domestic market or imported into India.
The QCO for ‘Insulated Flask, Bottles and Containers for Domestic Use’ mandates compulsory certification under IS Standards for ‘Insulated Flask for Domestic Use’, ‘Domestic Stainless steel vacuum flask/bottle’ and ‘Insulated Container for Food Storage’, for the products manufactured for domestic market or imported into India.
Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, while emphasizing on the importance of manufacturing quality products said, “With our people’s ability and the nation’s credibility, Indian products of top quality will travel far and wide. This will also be a true tribute to the ethos of Aatmanirbhar Bharat- a force multiplier for global prosperity”.
In pursuance of the same, DPIIT is on a mission mode to establish a quality control regime in the country. Various initiatives including the development of QCO is being undertaken by the Department to develop quality sensitization amongst users and manufacturers alike.
While Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Standards are voluntary in nature, QCO is a mandatory certification scheme, whereby compliance to specified list of Indian Standards applicable to the concerned product is made compulsory by the Central Government. The objective of notifying the QCOs is to help curb the imports of sub-standard products into India, prevention of unfair trade practices and enhance quality of the domestically manufactured products for the protection of human, animal or plant health and safety of the environment.
QCOs shall not only improve the manufacturing quality standards in the country but also enhance the brand and value of ‘Made in India’ products. These initiatives, coupled with development quality testing labs, product manuals etc. shall aid in the development of a quality ecosystem in India.
DPIIT has been engaging with BIS continuously, leading to the initiation of development of 64 new QCOs covering 317 product standards. Extensive stakeholder consultations with key industry associations and industry members are being conducted for each QCO for their inputs/ comments.
Post the inclusion of comments from the industry, the draft QCOs are approved by the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry followed by legal vetting by the Department of Legislative Affairs. Subsequently, the QCOs are uploaded on the World Trade Organisation (WTO) website for 60 days, inviting comments from WTO member countries.
In order to safeguard the domestic micro and small industries, ensure smooth implementation of the QCO and Ease of Doing Business, relaxations have been granted to Micro and Small Industries in terms of timeline for implementation of the QCO.
With the implementation of the QCOs, manufacturing, storing and sale of non-BIS certified products will be prohibited as per the BIS Act, 2016. The violation of the provision of the BIS Act can attract a penalty of imprisonment upto two years or with fine of at least Rs 2 lakh for the first offence. In case of second and subsequent offences, the fine will increase to Rs 5 lakh minimum and extend up to ten times the value of goods or articles.
With the aforementioned initiatives, the Government of India aims to develop world-class products of good quality in India, thereby fulfilling the Prime Ministers’ vision of creating an “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”.
