DPIIT announces relaxation in quality control order for cookware and utensils

By Sandy Verma On Oct 16, 2024

New DelhiNew Delhi : The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on Tuesday said it has extended the date of implementation of the Quality Control Order 2024 and given some relaxations after consultation with the industry to address the problems faced in the implementation of QCO. Quality Control Order (QCO) on Cookware, Utensils and Cans for Food and Beverages, 2024 to develop quality ecosystem, attract investment and promote entrepreneurial talent in the industry and internal trade, an official release said. It is one of the many initiatives of the Department of Promotion (DPIIT) which gives paramount importance to the quality of the product. It said that in order to enhance the ease of doing business, several relaxations in the said QCO have been made, including exemption from QCO for very small micro enterprises (ie, micro enterprises registered under the Udyam Portal). A relaxation of six months has been provided for clearing old stock through a specific provision and a relaxation has been introduced for import of containers filled with powder, semi-solid, liquid or gas through a specific provision.

Exemption for up to 200 units of cookware, utensils and cans for food and beverages for research and development (R&D) by manufacturers of such goods and articles has also been introduced through a specific provision. The Cookware and Utensils (Quality Control) Order, 2023, which was earlier notified on August 10, 2023, contains five Indian Standards (IS), the release said. “The QCO was extended with amendment to the name of the QCO i.e. “Cookware, Utensils and Containers for Food and Beverages (Quality Control) Order, 2024” which was notified on March 15, 2024 and with effect from September 1, 2024. was effective for large and medium scale manufacturers and foreign manufacturers,” the release said. It said, “DPIIT, after consultation with the trade associations/industry, extended the date of implementation of the said QCO vide e-Gazette notification dated October 14, 2024 to address the problems faced in the implementation of the QCO. And some relaxations have also been given.” QCO will now be implemented from April 1, 2025.

“The QCO for small enterprises and micro enterprises will be effective from July 1, 2025, and October 1, 2025, respectively. This extension period is provided to enable domestic manufacturers to adjust to the improved quality standards,” the release said. while contributing to India's broader economic goals of achieving self-reliance and manufacturing excellence.” “Compliance with standards will drive growth in the corridors of performance, durability and dependability. Therefore, India is going to be recognized as a manufacturing hub for premium quality goods on the strength of a strong industry-government partnership as domestic brands build consumer trust. We are ready to gain a significant market share by promoting this.” (ANI)