On August 9, 2023, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), issued the Cookware and Utensils (Quality Control) Order, 2023. To provide additional time for manufacturers to comply with Indian Standard requirements, the Ministry subsequently introduced the Cookware, Utensils, and Cans for Foods and Beverages (Quality Control) Order, 2024, revising implementation timelines and replacing the earlier order. 

Key Provisions of the Cookware, Utensils, and Cans for Foods and Beverages (Quality Control) Order, 2024

1. Title and Commencement

1.1. This Order may be cited as the Cookware, Utensils, and Cans for Foods and Beverages (Quality Control) Order, 2024.
1.2. The Order shall come into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette unless otherwise specified. 

Implementation Timelines

The compliance timelines are staggered as follows based on enterprise size:

• Medium and Large Enterprises: Implementation by April 1, 2025.
• Small Enterprises: Implementation by July 1, 2025.
• Micro Enterprises: Implementation by October 1, 2025. 

2. Mandatory BIS Certification

2.1. Goods or articles, specifically Round Open Top Sanitary Cans for Foods and Drinks – Tinplate, must conform to the Indian Standard IS 9396 (Part 1) : 1987.
2.2. Manufacturers are required to obtain a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to affix the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) on their products under Scheme-1 of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. 

Exemptions from Compliance

• Goods manufactured solely for export purposes.
• Goods domestically manufactured or imported before the specified implementation dates, provided they are declared stock and certified by a Chartered Accountant. Such goods may be sold or displayed for up to six months after the implementation date.
• Goods imported containing solid, liquid, or gaseous materials.
• Goods imported for research and development, limited to 200 units per year, provided they are not sold commercially and are disposed of as scrap.
• Goods manufactured by enterprises registered under the Udyam portal, where:
• The investment in plant and machinery or equipment does not exceed ₹25 lakhs.
• The turnover does not exceed ₹2 crores in the previous financial year (certified by a Chartered Accountant). 

3. Certification and Enforcement Authority

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is designated as the certifying and enforcement authority for this Order. BIS will monitor compliance, issue licenses, and restrict the manufacture, import, or sale of non-compliant products. 

4. Penalty for Contravention

Violations of the provisions of this Order shall attract penalties as prescribed under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. 

Objectives and Implications

The Cookware, Utensils, and Cans for Foods and Beverages (Quality Control) Order, 2024 underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing product quality and consumer safety. The phased implementation approach ensures a balanced compliance framework for manufacturers across enterprise scales, aligning with national standards and regulatory expectations.

Stay compliant and prepare your business for these important regulatory changes to continue operating within the industry's guidelines!

Implementation Dates: Date of implementation for Medium & Large-Scale Enterprises: 1st April 2025

Date of implementation for Small Enterprises: 1st July 2025.

Date of implementation for Micro Enterprises: 1st October 2025.

BIS Certification for Round Open Top Sanitary Cans for Foods and Drinks –Tinplate IS 9396 (Part 1) :1987