Introduction: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, has issued an important order, the Water Meters and Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2023, exercising powers under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. The Water Meters and Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2023, underscores the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s commitment to regulating the quality of water meters in the public interest. Manufacturers, exporters, and enterprises must adhere to specified standards, with the Bureau of Indian Standards playing a crucial role in certification and enforcement. The order emphasizes the significance of maintaining quality in water-related products for the benefit of consumers and the nation as a whole. Understanding the provisions and implications of this order is essential for all stakeholders in the industry.
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade)
ORDER
New Delhi, the 5th March, 2024
S.O. 1142(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 Water meters and accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2023.
(2) It shall come into force on the expiry of six month from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette:
2. 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 to 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 micro enterprises, as defined in 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 month from the date of publication of this notification.
Provided also that in relation to small enterprises, as defined in 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 month 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) |
| Water Meter and Accessories |
2373:1981 | Water meters (bulk type) |
| 779: 1994 | Water meters (domestic type) | |
| 2692: 1989 | Ferrules for water services |
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-29026/30/2023-LEI]
SANJIV, Jt. Secy.
