Govt. notifies QCOs for insulated flasks and wood laminates

For insulated flasks, containers, and wood laminates, the government has taken the initiative to boost local manufacturing and reduce imports by notifying quality control orders (QCOs).

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In a move to bolster domestic manufacturing and decrease imports, the government has introduced quality control orders (QCOs) for insulated flasks, containers, and wood laminates. This initiative aims to regulate and improve the quality of these products, encouraging their production within the country.

The government will implement quality control orders (QCOs) for insulated flasks, bottles, containers used domestically, and resin-treated compressed wood laminates within six months of the notification. This move is aimed at regulating and maintaining the quality of these products, promoting local manufacturing in the specified industries.

Both domestic manufacturers and imported products will be subject to the specified standards outlined in the quality control orders (QCOs). The QCOs differ from the voluntary Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as they are mandatory and must be adhered to by all relevant stakeholders.

The DPIIT and the Bureau of Indian Standards are collaborating to develop 64 new QCOs, which will cover 317 product standards. This joint effort intends to improve product quality and regulatory measures across various items in the market.

The enforcement of the QCOs will impose a complete ban on the manufacturing, storage, and sale of non-BIS-certified products. Violating the provisions of the BIS Act could result in a penalty of up to two years imprisonment or a fine of at least Rs 2 lakh for the first offence. For repeat offenders, the penalty increases to a minimum fine of Rs 5 lakh and can extend up to 10 times the value of the goods or articles involved.