On October 17, 2023, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through its Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), issued the Drums and Tins (Quality Control) Order, 2023. This order is designed to uphold stringent quality standards for drums and tins used in packaging, thereby ensuring consumer safety and enhancing product dependability. 

If you are involved in the manufacturing, sale, or import of Bitumen Drums, this regulation will significantly impact your business practices. Implemented in consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the order is aligned with the provisions of the BIS Act, 2016, with a strong focus on public safety. 

Key Provisions of the Drums and Tins (Quality Control) Order, 2023 

1. Title and Implementation Timeline 

This regulation is officially known as the Drums and Tins (Quality Control) Order, 2023, with the following timelines for mandatory compliance: 

·    The order will be effective six months from its publication, Medium and Large Enterprises starting from April 17, 2024. 

·    Small Enterprises must comply by July 17, 2024.

·    Micro Enterprises are required to meet the standards by October 17, 2024. 

2. Conformity to Standards and Use of the BIS Standard Mark 

Under this regulation, Bitumen Drums must adhere to Indian Standard IS 3575:1993 and display the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark) to confirm compliance: 

·   Manufacturers need a valid license from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to use the ISI Mark, certifying that their products meet the specified quality standards. 

·  This requirement applies to Bitumen Drums manufactured for domestic use. However, products made specifically for export, as well as imported goods filled with powder, semi-solid, or liquid materials, are exempt from this order. 

3. BIS as the Certification Authority 

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the authorized certifying and enforcement agency for this order. It is responsible for ensuring that only compliant and certified Bitumen Drums, bearing the BIS Standard Mark, are available in the Indian market. 

4. Penalties for Non-Compliance 

Non-compliance with the Drums and Tins (Quality Control) Order, 2023 will attract penalties as outlined in the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. These measures are intended to enforce adherence to quality and safety standards, discouraging any attempts to bypass regulatory requirements.

This regulation is a significant step towards ensuring the safety and reliability of Bitumen Drums used in various industries across India. By implementing consistent standards, the order benefits consumers while encouraging industry players to maintain high-quality production standards.

Implementation Dates: - Date of implementation for Medium and Large Enterprises: 17th April 2024.

- Date of implementation for Small Enterprises: 17th July, 2024.

- Date of implementation for Micro Enterprises: 17th October, 2024.