DPIIT notifies quality control orders for water bottles and lighters

DPIIT notifies quality control orders for water bottles and lighters

Subject :Economy

Section: External Sector

Context: Government has notified quality control orders (QCOs) for potable water bottles and flame-producing lighters to enhance public health and safety of consumers.

Key Points:

• Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has issued notification for quality control orders for potable water bottles and flame-producing lighters to enhance public health and safety of consumers.
• The stated aim is to build a quality ecosystem in India for the manufacturing of world class products.
• The items need to have mandatory compulsory certification under relevant IS Standards.
• The DPIIT has been developing mandatory QCOs for a wide variety of products to prevent the import of sub-standard products, prevent unfair trade practices, and ensure the safety and well-being of consumers, as well as the environment.
• India has relied on quality control orders (QCO) to curb Chinese imports and boost exports for products of mass consumption, including machinery safety equipment, pressure cookers, toys and air conditioners etc.
• The standards are applicable on both domestic manufacturers and imports.
• India’s QCOs have faced criticism from WTO members as being protectionist and not being compliant with the WTO’sAgreement on Technical Barriers.