Quality Control Order (QCO) Update

Quality Control Order (QCO) Update

BIS QCO for Writing and Printing Papers, Coated Paper and
Board (Art and Chrome)
IS 4658:2019

The Government of India issues this Quality Control Order to ensure safety, reliability, and standardization of Coated Papers and Board (Art and Chrome) across the country.

Dear Viewer,

Dear Viewer,This is an important update regarding the Indian Standard applicable to all existing license holders, new applicants, manufacturers, importers, and product sellers for Writing and Printing Papers, Coated Paper and Board (Specification for Coated Paper and Board – Art and Chrome) under the Quality Control Order, 2025.

This Order Applies To

Manufacturers

Producing Coated Papers and Board (Art and Chrome) in India

Importers

Importing Coated Papers and Board (Art and Chrome) into India

Product Sellers

Selling or distributing Coated Papers and Board (Art and Chrome) in India

License Holders

Existing license holders and new applicants

Overview

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India, has issued the draft Writing and Printing Papers, Coated Paper and Board (Quality Control) Order, 2025.

Under this notification, Coated Papers and Board (Art and Chrome) covered under IS 4658:2019 have been brought under mandatory BIS certification requirements.

As per the notification, manufacturers of Coated Papers and Board (Art and Chrome) shall ensure that their products conform to the specified Indian Standard and bear the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid BIS licence granted in accordance with Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

What is IS 4658:2019?

IS 4658:2019 is the Indian Standard for Specification for Coated Paper and Board (Art and Chrome).

The standard specifies the requirements relating to coating quality, surface finish, gloss, smoothness, brightness, grammage, moisture content, printing properties, testing, inspection, marking, packaging, and quality control of coated paper and board products used in printing, publishing, advertising, packaging, and commercial applications.

The standard ensures that coated paper and board products meet prescribed quality, printability, appearance, durability, dimensional stability, performance, and reliability requirements for use in magazines, brochures, catalogues, labels, cartons, packaging materials, advertising materials, and other commercial printing applications.

Implementation Dates Under QCO

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

Category Implementation Timeline 
General (Other than Micro and Small Enterprises) 6 months from the date of notification in e-Gazette 
Small Enterprises9 months from the date of notification in e-Gazette 
Micro Enterprises 12 months from the date of notification in e-Gazette 

Key Requirements Under the QCO

  • Products must comply with the requirements specified under IS 4658:2019.
  • Manufacturers must obtain BIS certification before selling products in the Indian market.
  • Certified products must bear the ISI Mark.
  • BIS will act as the certification and enforcement authority for these products.
  • Non-compliance may result in penalties under the provisions of the BIS Act, 2016.

Certification and Enforcement Authority

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) shall act as the certification and enforcement authority for Coated Papers and Board (Art and Chrome) covered under this Quality Control Order.

Penalty for Non-Compliance

Any person or manufacturer violating the provisions of this Order shall be punishable under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. 

Title Issue DateView Order 
QCO Order17/06/2025View

Key Exemptions

The QCO does not apply to:

  • Products manufactured domestically for export purposes.
  • Up to five tonnes of products imported annually for research and development purposes, subject to prescribed conditions and record-keeping requirements. 

Reference Orders

TitleIssue DateView Order
Issue Order2025-06-17Click Here

Implementation & Compliance

Certification Authority: Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Applicable Standard: IS 4658:2019

Concerned Authority

Bureau of Indian Standards

Manak Bhawan 9, B.S. Zafar Marg,
New Delhi - 110002

Telephone

+91-11-23231903

Email

med@bis.org.in

Implementation Date

To be announced

Important Disclaimer

The contents provided in this update are solely meant for general informational purposes. Before you make decisions or take action based on the information provided, it is advised to seek professional legal consultation.

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