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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…

In a recent development, the Ministry of Ayush has provided clarity regarding the manufacturing of food products licensed under the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) alongside Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani (ASU) products. This clarification responds to inquiries from companies seeking approval to produce both Ayush and FSSAI-regulated products within the same manufacturing facilities.The Ministry, in an office memorandum, emphasized that there is no explicit prohibition against using a combined setup for manufacturing ASU and FSSAI-licensed products as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and its associated rules. Furthermore, the FSSAI, which operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), has not issued any directives restricting the manufacturing of FSSAI-regulated food products in premises where Ayush products are being produced.However, to ensure the safety and…

In a significant development, the Ministry of Mines has announced the notification of three Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for seven non-ferrous refined metal items. This move, designed to enhance user benefits and industry competitiveness, represents the Ministry's commitment to establishing a robust quality control ecosystem.Curbing Imports of Sub-Standard ProductsOne of the primary objectives of these QCOs is to tackle the import of sub-standard products, prevent unfair trade practices, and ensure the consistent supply of high-quality products to consumers. By mandating stringent quality standards, these orders aim to bolster consumer confidence and protect domestic industries from the influx of sub-par goods.Key Details of the Quality Control OrdersThe Ministry of Mines has issued these QCOs in accordance with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act. They will come into effect three months…

The Ministry of Textile's recent decision to postpone the implementation of the quality control order for cotton bales by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has stirred discussions within the cotton industry. Vidarbha ginners expressed their concerns about the BIS rating system for cotton, citing the vast variations in cotton quality in the region due to factors such as seed variety, climate conditions, pest infestation, picking practices, handling, storage, and multiple pickings throughout the year.To shed light on this important issue, we spoke with cotton advisor Govind Wairale, a retired general manager of Maharashtra Cotton Federation and a prominent figure in the cotton industry. He emphasized the need for proper awareness among cotton farmers before implementing the BIS standards, suggesting that the coming year could be used to educate all…

In a significant development, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has taken proactive steps to recall Hitachi products with subpar star ratings, signaling a commitment to uphold consumer rights and energy efficiency standards. Several other home appliance companies are also under investigation as part of this quality assurance drive.In response to these actions, Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Limited issued a press statement reaffirming its commitment to producing high-quality products that adhere to global and local standards. The company expressed appreciation for BEE's efforts and actively participates in advancing sustainable energy efficiency through technological innovation. The statement also emphasized their dedication to maintaining consumer trust by investing in the delivery of top-notch products.Furthermore, Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Limited revealed that, as part of their product life cycle assessment process,…

In a recent development, the Ministry of Ayush has issued a significant clarification regarding the utilization of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani (ASU) manufacturing facilities for the production of food products licensed under the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This clarification comes in response to requests from companies seeking approval to manufacture products under both Ayush and FSSAI in the same manufacturing premises.The Ministry's office memorandum emphasized that there is no specific prohibition against using a combined setup of manufacturing equipment and production lines for items licensed under ASU and FSSAI within the framework of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and its associated regulations. Furthermore, there are no directives from FSSAI, which operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), that restrict the manufacturing of…

In a significant move towards enhancing the quality standards of the cement industry, the Jammu and Kashmir Branch Office of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) recently concluded a successful Two-Day Capsule Course for Quality Control Personnel (QCPs) on August 30-31, 2023. Held at the prestigious Hotel Four Points in Srinagar, the program drew the participation of technical experts from various Cement Industries in the Kashmir region.The program commenced with a warm welcome address by Pankaj Atri, Joint Director of BIS JKBO. He emphasized that the primary objective of this Capsule Course was to bolster the industry's capabilities, thereby elevating the overall quality standards within the country. Atri explained that the training aimed to equip QCPs with knowledge on cement requirements, sampling and testing methods for different cement types, effective…

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Jammu and Kashmir Branch Office (JKBO) recently conducted a Two-Day Capsule Course for Quality Control Personnel (QCPs) within the Cement Industry on August 30-31, 2023, at Hotel Four Points in Srinagar. This informative program witnessed the participation of technical experts from all cement industries operating in the Kashmir region.Pankaj Atri, Joint Director of BIS JKBO, commenced the event with a warm welcome address. He underscored the central aim of the Capsule Course: to bolster the industry's capabilities and elevate the quality ecosystem across the nation. Atri explained that this specialized training initiative would equip QCPs with essential knowledge about cement requirements, sampling and testing methodologies for various cement types, the e-Portal of BIS for efficient online management of ISI Mark licenses, and BIS Guidelines…

The Ph.D. Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with Invest India and the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, recently organized the "Unnati India Opportunity Series – Investment Roadshow" on August 29, 2023.Ms. Manmeet Nanda, Joint Secretary of DPIIT, highlighted the Indian government's commitment to leveraging technology for improving the ease of doing business. She shared that DPIIT had successfully reduced a staggering forty thousand regulatory compliance burdens and announced the forthcoming release of a "Cost of Regulations" report. Furthermore, Ms. Nanda revealed that comments and insights from developing and emerging nations had been contributed to the World Bank's upcoming "Be Ready" report. She also noted that, following extensive consultations with various departments, the Central Pollution Control Board…

The 2023 Resource Recycling Conference in Orlando, Florida, brought together stakeholders in the plastics industry to discuss Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and its implications. While tensions were expected, the attendees were pleasantly surprised to witness a constructive dialogue that highlighted hope, progress, and respectful disagreement on issues such as film, chemical recycling, and labeling.The session, titled "Plastic Tensions Within Extended Producer Responsibility," featured a panel of experts:Kate Bailey, Chief Policy Officer at the Association of Plastic Recyclers.Anja Brandon, Associate Director of U.S. Plastics Policy at the Ocean Conservancy.Megan Daum, Vice President of Sustainability for American Beverage.Jennifer Ronk, Sustainability and Advocacy Manager at Dow.Dylan de Thomas, Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs at The Recycling Partnership, moderated the discussion.The Value of EPRKate Bailey emphasized the transformative potential of EPR,…