On 5th July 2023, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, notified 2 new Quality Control Orders (QCOs) on Potable Water Bottles and Flame-Producing Lighters to enhance public health and safety of consumers.
- Flame – Producing Lighters (Quality Control) Order, 2023
- Potable Water Bottles (Quality Control) Order, 2023.
Note: This will come into effect six months from the date of notification
New QCO for Potable Water Bottles:
It mandates compulsory certification under the appropriate Indian Standard (IS) for the production and import of potable water bottles made of copper, stainless steel, or aluminium.
New QCO for Flame-Producing Lighters:
It mandates compulsory certification under IS for ‘Safety Specification for Lighters’, and ‘Safety Specifications for Utility Lighters’, for the Flame lighters manufactured for domestic market or imported into India. There are two types of lighters available are Flame and Spark type.
Key points:
i.To support domestic micro and small industries, the government has provided relaxations in terms of the timeline for implementing the QCO.
- For Small Enterprises, the QCOs shall come into force with effect from 9 months from the date of publication of this notification.
- For Micro Enterprises, the QCOs shall come into force with effect from 12 months from the date of publication of this notification.
- This aims to safeguard their interests while ensuring smooth transition and fostering a business-friendly environment.
ii.The new standards will help to build a quality ecosystem to manufacture world-class products and it will also contribute to the gross domestic product (GDP) of India.
Why QCO?
i.To curb the import of sub-standard products, prevent unfair trade practices, and ensure the safety and well-being of consumers, as well as the environment.
ii.To improve manufacturing quality standards and enhance the brand value of ‘Make in India’ products through “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” or self-reliant India.
iii.According to the BIS Act, 2016, the manufacturing, storing, and sale of non-Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)-certified products are prohibited under the new Quality Control Orders (QCOs).
- The first time violation will lead to a penalty of imprisonment upto two years or with fine of at least Rs 2 lakh.
- In case of subsequent offences, the minimum fine will be increased to Rs 5 lakh and it may extend up to ten times the value of goods or articles.
Standard Mark
| Sl.no | Goods or articles | Indian Standard | Title of Indian Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flame- Producing Lighters | IS/ISO 9994: 2018 | Lighters – Safety Specification |
| IS/ISO 22702: 2018 | Utility Lighters- Safety Specifications | ||
| 2 | Potable water bottles | IS 17803:2022 | Potable Water Bottles (Copper, Stainless Steel, Aluminum) |
Role of DPIIT:
i.DPIIT has developed 64 new QCOs covering 317 product standards in partnership with the BIS.
ii.The draft of QCO will be submitted to Minister of Commerce & Industry and vetted by the Department of Legislative Affairs.
iii.On approval, the QCOs will be uploaded on the World Trade Organisation (WTO) website for a 60-day period, inviting comments from member countries.
iv.DPIIT is also developing quality testing labs, product manuals, and other essential components, for the growth of quality ecosystem in India.
About Ministry of Commerce & Industry:
Union Minister- Piyush Goyal (Rajya Sabha-Maharashtra)
Minister of State- Anupriya Singh Patel; Som Parkash
