India Expands Mandatory Quality Control Standards
In a significant move to enhance product safety and quality, India is actively revising and formulating new standards across various sectors. Currently, approximately 23,000 Indian Standards are in effect, with compliance to specific standards made mandatory for certain products. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) oversees this initiative, ensuring that products meet essential safety and health requirements.
New Quality Control Orders Introduced
The Government of India has issued two new Quality Control Orders (QCOs) aimed at ensuring the safety of electrical appliances and machinery. The first, the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2024, was released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. This order mandates that all electrical appliances designed for household and commercial use, operating at voltages not exceeding 250V for single-phase or 415V for three-phase alternating current, must undergo compulsory BIS certification. This regulation applies to appliances not already covered by existing QCOs.
The second order, the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024, was issued by the Ministry of Heavy Industries. This regulation encompasses 20 categories of machinery and electrical equipment, including their sub-assemblies and components, which are now required to obtain BIS certification. These measures are part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance product safety and consumer protection.
Regulatory Framework and Compliance
The implementation of these Quality Control Orders is determined by the needs of various line ministries and departments. In consultation with the BIS, these ministries publish QCOs under the authority granted by the BIS Act of 2016. This process ensures that products are brought under mandatory certification as necessary, reflecting the government’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards in the market. As of now, a total of 187 Quality Control Orders have been issued, covering 769 products that require compulsory BIS certification. The complete list of these products is accessible on the BIS website, providing transparency and guidance for manufacturers and consumers alike.
Harmonization with International Standards
In addition to the new QCOs, the Indian government is also focused on aligning its standards with international benchmarks. Out of the 22,689 Indian standards currently in force, 10,300 correspond to existing ISO/IEC standards. Impressively, 9,616 of these Indian standards, or 93.3%, have been harmonized with international norms. This alignment not only facilitates trade but also enhances the quality and safety of products available in the Indian market.
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