All India Steel Bottles Association Applauds Government’s Initiative on BIS Certification for Stainless Steel Bottles
NEW DELHI (India CSR): The All India Steel Bottles Association extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India for the implementation of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) guidelines for stainless steel bottles, effective from June 5, 2024. This important initiative supports the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ programs, as well as the larger goals of promoting a healthy India (‘Swasth Bharat’) and protecting the environment. The Quality Control Orders (QCO) for stainless steel vacuum-insulated water bottles and portable stainless steel water bottles represent a major step forward for the industry, predominantly in the MSME sector.
BIS guidelines mandate
The BIS guidelines mandate that no stainless steel bottles can be imported into India without BIS certification. Additionally, all stainless steel bottles manufactured and sold domestically must carry the BIS certification. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has clarified that there will be no further extensions for the implementation of these guidelines. Large and medium manufacturers are strictly prohibited from selling non-BIS certified bottles, while small and micro manufacturers have been granted an exemption period of 6 to 9 months, respectively.
Supporting Domestic Manufacturing
The government has highlighted its commitment to supporting and promoting the domestic industry. To facilitate this, BIS is offering faster approvals, licenses, and discounts for manufacturers setting up units within India, differentiating products based on their place of manufacture. Indian-made products are eligible for these benefits, ensuring that domestic manufacturers can quickly adapt to the new standards and maintain their market competitiveness.
Mr. Bharat Agarwal, Director of Crown Craft India and Treasurer of the All India Steel Bottles Association, expressed his gratitude, stating, “We are immensely grateful to the government for implementing the QCO for stainless steel bottles. This move will provide a lifeline to our industry and offer Indian consumers better quality products. As per the recent conference by the Bureau of India Standards on 2nd July during the HGH trade show in Mumbai, the officials mentioned that selling any imported items is now illegal and can lead to confiscation. In preparation to the same, Indian companies already have the installed capacities to replace import volumes immediately, showcasing our dedication to meeting BIS standards.”
Legal Implications and Consumer Awareness
As part of the BIS Act, 2016, it is a punishable offence to import, manufacture, promote, store, sell, and distribute any product which is not BIS certified. It has also been advised to always check the CML Number and below stated ISI Markings before purchasing and accepting the product:
- IS 17526 – for Vacuum Insulated Flasks & Bottles
- IS 17803 – for Non Insulated Bottles
For consumers and traders unaware of how to raise a complaint against a non-BIS product being offered in the market, they are advised to write: complaints@bis.gov.in.
About All India Steel Bottle Association
The All India Steel Bottle Association serves as a unified platform, bringing together manufacturers of steel vacuum bottles across India. Established with the primary objective of fostering collaboration and assistance among industry players, the association has emerged as a pivotal force in addressing technical challenges faced by its members.
A key focus of the association is to facilitate a robust exchange of knowledge and expertise among its members through collaborative initiatives in research and development, as well as product innovation. The association has expanded its role to include advocacy and representation on behalf of its members. By actively engaging with government bodies and trade organizations, the association strives to ensure that the interests of its members are effectively communicated and addressed at the policy level.
Key Facts Table: BIS Certification for Stainless Steel Bottles
This table summarizes the critical aspects of the BIS certification implementation for stainless steel bottles in India.
| Implementation Date | June 5, 2024 |
| Guidelines Issued By | Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) |
| Mandate | No stainless steel bottles can be imported or sold in India without BIS certification |
| Exemption Period for Small and Micro Manufacturers | 6 to 9 months |
| BIS Act, 2016 | Makes it a punishable offense to import, manufacture, promote, store, sell, or distribute non-BIS certified products |
| Quality Control Orders (QCO) | For stainless steel vacuum-insulated water bottles and portable stainless steel water bottles |
| Promoted Programs | ‘Make in India’, ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’, ‘Swasth Bharat’ |
| Government Support | Faster approvals, licenses, and discounts for manufacturers setting up units within India |
| Certification Markings | IS 17526 for Vacuum Insulated Flasks & Bottles, IS 17803 for Non Insulated Bottles |
| Consumer Complaint Contact | complaints@bis.gov.in |
| Association’s Role | Fostering collaboration, assisting industry players, addressing technical challenges, advocacy, and representation |
| Industry Impact | Ensures quality and safety of products, supports domestic manufacturing, aligns with national initiatives |
Conclusion
The implementation of BIS certification for stainless steel bottles marks a significant milestone for the Indian industry. This move not only ensures the quality and safety of products available in the market but also promotes the domestic manufacturing sector, aligning with the broader goals of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’. The All India Steel Bottle Association’s role in this transition is crucial, as it continues to support its members and advocate for their interests. As the industry adapts to these new standards, consumers can look forward to higher quality products and a stronger domestic market.
(India CSR)
