BIS Quality Control Order for Rubber Gaskets for Pressure Cookers

On December 14, 2023, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), issued the Rubber Gaskets for Pressure Cookers (Quality Control) Order, 2023. This regulation mandates that rubber gaskets used in pressure cookers in India meet high-quality standards, aimed at improving consumer safety, durability, and adherence to Indian Standards.

If you are a manufacturer, seller, or importer of rubber gaskets for pressure cookers, this new order will directly impact your operations. Issued in consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), this regulation is in the public interest under the BIS Act, 2016.

Key Provisions of the Rubber Gaskets for Pressure Cookers (Quality Control) Order, 2023

1. Title and Implementation Timeline

Officially titled the Rubber Gaskets for Pressure Cookers (Quality Control) Order, 2023, the following timelines apply:

· The order will be effective for medium and large-scale industries six months from its publication date (14th June 2024).

· Small enterprises have a nine-month compliance window, making the order mandatory from 14th September 2024.

· Micro enterprises have the longest grace period, with the order becoming effective twelve months after publication (14th December 2024).

2. Mandatory BIS Certification

The primary requirement of this order is the mandatory use of the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark) on rubber gaskets for pressure cookers. These gaskets must meet the specifications of Indian Standard IS 7466:1994 to ensure quality and safety compliance.

· Manufacturers are required to obtain a BIS license to affix the ISI Mark, demonstrating that their products conform to the quality standards set by the BIS.

· This requirement applies only to rubber gaskets manufactured for the domestic market; products made solely for export are exempt from this order.

3. BIS as the Certifying Authority

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is designated as the official certifying and enforcement authority for this order. BIS will oversee the certification process to ensure that only BIS-certified rubber gaskets for pressure cookers bearing the Standard Mark are manufactured, imported, or sold in India.

4. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violations of the Rubber Gaskets for Pressure Cookers (Quality Control) Order, 2023, will result in penalties as stipulated under the BIS Act, 2016. This enforcement seeks to deter non-compliance and uphold product safety standards in the market.

This order is a proactive measure to enhance the quality and safety of rubber gaskets for pressure cookers available to consumers in India. Through strict compliance with Indian Standards, this regulation promotes both consumer protection and industry accountability.

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

Implementation Dates: Date of implementation for General (Medium & Large-Scale Enterprises): 14th June 2024

- Date of implementation for Small Enterprises: 14th September 2024.

- Date of implementation for Micro Enterprises: 14th December 2024.