New Delhi: In a significant move to enhance the ease of doing business, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has announced relaxations in the Quality Control Order (QCO) 2024 for cookware, utensils, and cans used in food and beverages. This initiative aims to improve the quality ecosystem in India, attract investments, and support entrepreneurial talent.
One of the key relaxations includes exempting very small micro-enterprises—those registered under the Udyam portal with investments in plant and machinery below ₹25 lakhs and annual turnover not exceeding ₹2 crores—from compliance with the QCO. Additionally, a six-month grace period has been introduced to allow businesses to clear legacy stock. Another noteworthy change is the exemption for importing up to 200 units of cookware and cans intended for research and development purpose.
The QCO, originally notified on August 10, 2023, established five Indian Standards for the products, but its implementation has been extended to address industry concerns. The updated timelines specify that large and medium-sized manufacturers will need to comply by April 1, 2025, while small enterprises will have until July 1, 2025, and micro-enterprises until October 1, 2025.
The revised QCO also reflects India’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in manufacturing and enhancing product quality. Compliance with these standards is expected to bolster consumer trust and establish India as a manufacturing hub for premium quality goods, benefiting both domestic and international markets.
(As per press release by PIB)
