BIS Quality Control Order for Stainless Steel Cookware

Stainless Steel Utensils QCO Overview

The Ministry of Steel, Government of India, has issued the Cookware, Utensils and Cans for Foods and Beverages (Quality Control) Order, 2026 through Gazette Notification S.O. 1661(E) dated 30th March 2026.

Under this notification, Stainless Steel Utensils covered under IS 14756:2024 have been brought under mandatory BIS certification requirements.

As per the notification, manufacturers are required to ensure that their products conform to the applicable Indian Standard and bear the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid BIS licence granted in accordance with Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

What is IS 14756:2024

IS 14756:2024 is the Indian Standard for Stainless Steel Utensils. These utensils are commonly used for cooking, serving, storing, and handling food and beverages in households, commercial kitchens, restaurants, hotels, and catering establishments.

The standard specifies requirements related to material quality, construction, dimensions, finish, workmanship, performance, safety, and testing requirements to ensure that stainless steel utensils are suitable for food contact applications and daily use.

Implementation Dates Under QCO

The Quality Control Order will come into force from the following dates:

Key Requirements Under the QCO

• Products must comply with the requirements of IS 14756:2024.
• Manufacturers must obtain BIS certification before selling products in the Indian market.
• Certified products must bear the ISI Mark.
• BIS shall act as the certification and enforcement authority for these products.
• Manufacturers must comply with the latest version of the standard, including amendments issued by BIS from time to time.
• Non-compliance may attract action under the provisions of the BIS Act, 2016.

Exemptions Under the Order

The QCO does not apply to:

• Products manufactured in India exclusively for export purposes.
• Goods imported for research and development purposes, limited to 200 units per year, subject to conditions specified in the notification.
• Goods imported into India that are already filled with solid, liquid, or gaseous materials.
• Existing stock manufactured or imported before the implementation date, subject to declaration and other conditions specified in the notification.

Certification and Enforcement Authority

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) shall act as the certification and enforcement authority for Stainless Steel Utensils covered under this Quality Control Order.

Penalty for Non-Compliance

Any manufacturer, importer, distributor, or seller found violating the provisions of this Order shall be liable for action and penalties under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

Notification Details