Quality Control Orders Imposed On 150 Products

(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Feb 6 (KNN) The Indian government has expanded its Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to cover over 150 products across multiple industries.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has proactively released the list in advance to enhance awareness and streamline compliance.

The new mandates extend to a diverse range of products, including household appliances, industrial materials, and essential consumer goods.

These QCOs will be enforced in a phased manner, with specific deadlines assigned to different sectors. BIS will oversee the implementation, ensuring strict adherence to the revised quality benchmarks.

Among the regulated items are electrical appliances operating at 250V single-phase or 415V three-phase power, which must comply with the new standards by March 20.

The furniture industry is also affected, with block boards, plywood, and wooden flush doors now falling under mandatory quality compliance.

The steel sector will see regulations imposed on hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel strips, while household essentials such as vacuum cleaners, stainless steel utensils, and massage appliances are now under BIS scrutiny.

Additionally, electric and solar water heaters have been brought within the quality control framework to ensure efficiency and consumer safety.

A senior official emphasised that these measures are designed to curb the import of substandard goods and ensure Indian consumers have access to high-quality products.

However, there is backlash from industries against expanding QCO regime.

Since 2014, the number of products covered under QCOs has surged from 106 to over 732 by October 2024, reflecting the government's commitment to enhancing domestic manufacturing standards.

Further, the chemical and petrochemical sectors will see quality norms for various fatty acids derived from sources like palm, rice bran, and coconut, reinforcing India's push for stringent product regulations across industries.

This move aligns with the nation's broader strategy to boost local production while restricting the entry of low-quality imports into the market.

(KNN Bureau)

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