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India's love for gold, especially in the form of jewellery, is widely known. However, the process of converting raw gold into jewellery involves alloying it with other metals, making consumers vulnerable to potential adulteration. Consumers have long been aware of this issue, but their only option has been to trust the words of jewellers.To address this concern and instill trust among consumers, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Standing Committee on Gold and Precious Metals designated the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as the sole agency responsible for implementing the Hallmarking Scheme in India in 2000. The hallmarking scheme aimed to protect consumers from cheating, enhance export competitiveness, and establish India as a leading global market for gold jewellery.Fast forward to 2018, when the Central Government, through a notification, mandated…

Date: July 7, 2023In 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…

Introduction: In a significant development aimed at improving the quality and safety of commonly used household appliances, the Indian government has decided to introduce mandatory quality control and safety standards. The move is not only aimed at curbing the influx of sub-standard goods, particularly from countries like China, but also at bolstering domestic manufacturing. This proactive step by the government is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the appliance industry, ensuring better products for consumers and creating a conducive environment for indigenous production.Fostering Domestic Manufacturing: Recognizing the need to strengthen the domestic manufacturing sector, the government has undertaken the task of implementing quality control measures for a range of household appliances. By doing so, it aims to reduce dependence on imports and encourage local production. The introduction of stringent…

Introduction: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) recently organized the second batch of the Capsule Course on the National Electrical Code of India 2023. The course, held at the National Institute of Training for Standardization (NITS) in Noida from July 5-6, 2023, focused on enhancing participants' understanding of electrical safety and the regulations set forth by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). The event witnessed the active participation of 45 stakeholders from various professional backgrounds, including electrical engineers, contractors, architects, government officials, and manufacturers.National Electrical Code of India 2023: The National Electrical Code of India 2023 (NEC 2023) is an extensive set of guidelines formulated by the BIS to regulate electrical installations across the country. The code covers best practices for the selection of electrical equipment, safety measures in wiring installations,…

Introduction: In a bid to combat the mounting textile waste problem and strengthen the used textile market within the European Union (EU), the European Commission has introduced a groundbreaking proposal. With a focus on holding producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of textile products, the initiative aims to encourage waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. This move aligns with the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, which seeks to drive growth in separate textile collection, sorting, reuse, and recycling sectors. The proposed legislation not only addresses the environmental impact of the textile industry but also anticipates the creation of local jobs and cost savings for consumers.Extended Producer Responsibility Schemes: At the heart of the proposal lies the introduction of harmonized and mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for textiles across…

Date: July 7, 2023Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) in Madhya Pradesh, India, has become the first urban body in the country to receive Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) credit for its commendable efforts in recycling banned single-use plastic items. Indore has successfully implemented a complete ban on such items within the city, and as a result, the IMC has seized approximately eight tonnes of single-use plastic, preventing its circulation. This significant milestone adds to Indore's reputation as India's cleanest city, as it has secured the top ranking for the sixth consecutive year in the central government's annual cleanliness survey.Indore's achievement in EPR signifies the extension of a producer's responsibility for a product to the post-consumer stage of its life cycle. The IMC has been credited with Rs 8,100 for its commitment to…

A report released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recommends that India take significant measures to enhance the international usage of its currency, the Indian Rupee (INR). The report suggests including Indian debt in global bond indexes, permitting offshore banking services in INR, and reviewing taxes on masala bonds, among other initiatives.The report states that the INR has the potential to become an international currency due to India's robust economic growth and remarkable resilience even in challenging times. It emphasizes that increased utilization of the INR for international trade invoicing, settlement, and capital account transactions will progressively establish the currency's presence on the global stage.The RBI has already permitted 17 banks to settle trade in rupees across 18 countries, and 65 vostro accounts have been opened for this purpose,…

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.Date: July 7, 2023In response to recent reports suggesting that the artificial sweetener aspartame may be classified as a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced its intention to assess the impact of non-sugar sweeteners on the Indian population. FSSAI, an Indian regulatory body responsible for ensuring food safety and standards, plans to form an expert panel and engage with stakeholders before drawing any conclusions regarding the adverse effects of these additives commonly used in foods and beverages.H.S. Oberoi, an advisor at FSSAI, emphasized the importance of considering the Indian perspective and conducting comprehensive studies specifically tailored to…

In today's globalized world, where the food industry is rapidly expanding and consumers are increasingly conscious about the safety and quality of the products they consume, regulatory measures are crucial to ensure public health and maintain market integrity. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a vital role in this regard, as it oversees the implementation and enforcement of food safety standards across the country. FSSAI certification has emerged as a gateway for food businesses to gain national and international market access, ensuring compliance with established quality standards. In this blog, we will explore the significance of FSSAI certification and how it opens doors to broader opportunities for food businesses.Understanding FSSAI Certification:The FSSAI is an autonomous body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, mandated…

India has taken a significant stride toward establishing its first carbon market by releasing a draft framework for the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, 2023. This framework outlines the regulatory structure and key stakeholders responsible for the formation and operation of the carbon market. The move aligns with India's ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and aims to facilitate the decarbonization of the commercial and industrial sectors.The draft framework establishes a National Steering Committee that will oversee the operations of the carbon market. Headed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Power, the committee will include representatives from various ministries, such as Environment, Finance, New and Renewable Energy, Steel, Coal, Petroleum, and Niti Aayog. This committee will play a crucial role in formulating procedures, setting emission targets for obligated…