In an effort to uphold quality standards and ensure consumer safety, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced mandatory certification for a range of commonly used products, including potable water bottles, cookware, insulated flasks, and tinplate packaging for food and beverages. Starting from January 5 and February 9 of the following year, manufacturers are required to obtain BIS licenses for water bottles and cookware, respectively.
The move by BIS aims to curb the sale of substandard products and enhance the manufacturing quality of these widely used items. The certification requirement applies to a variety of materials, such as copper, stainless steel, and aluminum, used in the production of water bottles and cooking utensils.
Under this new mandate, even tinplate packaging for products like infant milk food, instant coffee, tea, and condensed milk must undergo compulsory BIS certification.
G. Bhavani, the head of BIS’s Chennai branch office, noted that currently, only a single manufacturer in the state has obtained a license for water bottles and stainless steel vacuum flasks. No manufacturer of insulated flasks or stainless steel cookware has sought BIS certification. However, the BIS is actively identifying manufacturers and plans to encourage them to apply for licenses in the coming months.
To facilitate this process, the BIS will hold meetings with industry associations to raise awareness about the newly established standards. Manufacturers can expect a simplified procedure, with licenses being granted within 30 days. Retailers will also be sensitized to clear their stock of non-BIS certified products within the stipulated time frame, as manufacturing, storing, and selling such items will be considered a violation of the BIS Act.
To ensure product quality, licenses will only be granted after product samples have been tested by BIS-recognized labs. This initiative by the BIS aims to establish consistent quality and safety standards in the production and sale of these everyday items, promoting a healthier lifestyle for consumers across the state.