Bureau of Indian Standards organizes Inter-Ministerial Meeting on Implementation of Standards - Bringing more products under Quality Control Orders

Smt. Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, emphasized that the implementation of Indian Standards should be a top priority. She made this statement while chairing an inter-ministerial meeting in New Delhi focused on expanding the scope of Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to include more products.

The Secretary emphasized the role of QCOs in achieving the aim of 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat" considering its twin objectives of uplifting the quality ecosystem in the domestic market and curbing sub-standard imports.

Referring to the speech by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on the 78th Independence Day, wherein a thrust on Indian Standards has been envisioned to make Indian products stand out in the global market, she appealed to all the Ministries to prioritize Indian Standards.

 

Join PSU Connect on WhatsApp now for quick updates! Click here

Read Also : Campa partners with ‘noon Minutes’ for exclusive UAE E-Commerce distribution

The discussions during the meeting focused on the importance of Standards and their benefits through QCOs, which enforce mandatory compliance to standards for various products and play a vital role in protecting public health & safety and enhancing the competitiveness of industry, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The implementation of QCOs provides these businesses with a level playing field by ensuring that all market players meet the same quality standards. This initiative not only boosts the competitiveness of MSMEs in the domestic market but also facilitates access to global markets, opening up new avenues for growth and exports.

 

Read Also : Servotech signed agreement with Watt & Well to develop EV Charger Component in India

The Department of Consumer Affairs briefed on the positive impact of the Quality Control Order (QCO) on the toy industry. The introduction and implementation of the QCO for Toys has led to remarkable improvements in both safety and quality standards for toys manufactured and sold in India. 

The status of 628 products that are under consideration at the Ministries/Departments for bringing them under QCOs was also reviewed during the meeting.

The discussions concluded with a consensus for expediting the timelines for implementing QCOs for these products, which will further strengthen India's commitment to improving product quality and impetus on Atma Nirbhar Bharat across different sectors.

Compliance with standards is voluntary unless made mandatory under Section 16 of the BIS Act, 2016. All ministries and departments of the Government are empowered in this regard. A detailed stakeholder consultation is carried out with the industry before notifying and implementing QCOs.

Read Also : Clarification on New FASTag Rule