Date: July 7, 2023
In a bid to enhance domestic manufacturing and curb the influx of sub-standard goods, the Indian government has taken a significant step by introducing mandatory quality control and safety standards for commonly used household appliances. A senior official announced this development on Thursday, emphasizing the government’s intention to restrict the import of subpar products from countries like China.
The new quality control orders will cover a wide range of products, including fans, cooling appliances, clothes washing machines, domestic water heaters, cooking appliances, commercial vending machines, as well as skin and hair care devices. These standards aim to ensure that appliances in these categories meet prescribed safety and quality requirements.
To initiate the process, a stakeholder meeting was convened under the chairmanship of Sanjiv, Joint Secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. The meeting, held on Thursday, focused on discussing the Draft Quality Control Order for Safety of Household, Commercial, and Similar Electrical Appliances. The primary objective was to gather valuable insights from representatives of various organizations, including the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, the Ministry of Power, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, industry chambers, and associations of electrical and electronics manufacturers.
During the meeting, it was revealed that a comprehensive quality control order encompassing 85 standards will be formulated to ensure the safety of household, commercial, and similar electrical appliances. Sanjiv, speaking to PTI, shed light on the government’s commitment to imposing stringent regulations that uphold consumer safety and boost the overall quality of products available in the market.
The introduction of mandatory quality standards for household appliances is a significant stride towards promoting domestic manufacturing in India. By establishing these standards, the government aims to encourage local production while simultaneously safeguarding consumers against sub-standard and potentially unsafe products. With a focus on enhancing the quality of electrical appliances, this initiative is expected to instill confidence among consumers and foster the growth of the domestic manufacturing sector.
As the nation takes crucial steps towards self-reliance and quality-driven production, industry players, policymakers, and consumers are keeping a close eye on the developments in this space. The implementation of these quality control orders will likely have a far-reaching impact on the household appliance industry, ultimately benefiting both manufacturers and consumers alike.