Excerpt from The Economics Times Article, Published on Feb 05, 2025.
In a significant move to enhance consumer safety and curb the influx of low-quality imports, the government has introduced mandatory quality compliance requirements for over 150 products. The Quality Control Orders (QCOs) issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) cover a diverse range of items, including home appliances like vacuum cleaners, massage equipment, and stainless steel utensils, alongside industrial goods and steel products. The initiative aims to improve product safety, ensure consistent performance standards, and encourage manufacturers to produce high-quality products. The BIS will oversee the implementation of these orders, with varied enforcement dates for different sectors. For electrical appliances operating on 250V single-phase or 415V three-phase power, the compliance deadline has been set for March 20, 2025.
A senior government official highlighted the purpose of these measures, stating, “QCOs are designed to prevent the import of substandard goods and ensure consumer access to high-quality products.” The chemical and petrochemical sectors are also set to witness stricter standards as part of the government’s broader quality compliance strategy. The BIS emphasized that a detailed list of these products was released well in advance to create better awareness and allow manufacturers sufficient time to adapt.
This development reflects a steady expansion of India’s regulatory framework for quality compliance. The number of products covered under QCOs has increased significantly, rising from just 106 in 2014 to over 732 by October 2024. The initiative aligns with India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its manufacturing sector and protect consumers from hazardous and poorly manufactured goods. By mandating quality compliance for home appliances and industrial materials, the government is not only ensuring safer products for consumers but also encouraging domestic manufacturers to meet global quality benchmarks. This strategic move is expected to foster a market environment focused on product safety, sustainability, and excellence.
To delve deeper into this topic, please read the full article The Economics Times.
