In a significant move aimed at bolstering consumer safety and product quality, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has issued a Quality Control Order making the ISI mark mandatory for stainless steel and aluminium kitchen utensils. This order, effective from March 14, underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that these essential household items conform to national quality standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
The ISI mark, developed by BIS, serves as a hallmark of product quality and safety, assuring consumers of adherence to stringent standards. According to the new mandate, any stainless steel or aluminium utensils manufactured, imported, sold, distributed, stored, or exhibited for sale must prominently display the BIS standard mark. This regulation encompasses a wide range of kitchenware, from cooking pots to storage containers, aiming to enhance product integrity across the market.
Non-compliance with the Quality Control Order will attract penalties, emphasizing the government’s resolve to uphold consumer rights and ensure the safety of household products. The move comes in the wake of BIS’ recent formulation of comprehensive standards tailored specifically for kitchen items. These standards, encapsulated in documents such as IS 14756:2022 for stainless steel and IS 1660:2024 for aluminium utensils, cover essential aspects including material requirements, design specifications, and performance parameters.
The DPIIT’s initiative is expected to streamline the manufacturing and sale of stainless steel and aluminium utensils in India, fostering greater consumer confidence in the quality and safety of kitchen products available in the market. This regulatory step is part of ongoing efforts by the government to harmonize industry practices with global benchmarks while prioritizing consumer welfare in the domestic market.
Sources By Agencies