Cookware, Utensils, and Cans for Foods and Beverages (Quality Control) Order, 2025 - Detailed Information

A new Quality Control Order issued by the Central Government and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) emphasizes the importance of the quality of products in the Indian Market. The new order, called the Cookware, Utensils, and Cans for Foods and Beverages (Quality Control) Order. This was published on 21st August 2025. This recent order replaced the earlier 2024 order (except for actions taken under it before this new order came into effect).

Key Highlights of Quality Control Order:

Below, you can go through the key highlights of QCO for Cookware, Utensils, and Cans for Foods and Beverages 2025:
The name of this new order is Cookware, Utensils, and Cans for Foods and Beverages (Quality Control) Order, 2025. 
This order will come into effect from the date it is published in the official Gazette.

Compliance Requirements

All the products listed in the Table must meet the quality requirements of the Indian Standard mentioned next to them. These products must also carry the ISI mark, which shows they are certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The certification must be obtained under Scheme-1 of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. 

Exceptions:

This rule does not apply to goods made in India that are meant for export (i.e., products being sent to other countries).
Micro and Small Enterprises (as defined under the MSME Act, 2006) must also follow these Indian Standards, but they will be given more time.  The date of implementation for Micro Enterprises is 1st April 2026, for Small Enterprises 1st January 2026, and in general, it is 1st October 2025.

Exemptions from This Order

Small Udyam-Registered Enterprises:

This order does not apply to goods made in India by small businesses that are:

• Registered on the Udyam portal under the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME)
• Have invested no more than ₹25 lakhs in machinery or equipment (original cost)
• Had a turnover of ₹2 crores or less in the previous financial year, as certified by a Chartered Accountant.

Products Made or Imported Before the Rules Start

 This order also does not apply to goods that were:

• Manufactured in India or imported before the start date mentioned in the Table of the order
• And made or imported by companies that are already certified by BIS or have applied for certification

Importers to Sell or Display the Products:

These manufacturers or importers will be allowed to sell or display the stock for up to six months from the implementation date — but only if they:

• Declare this stock officially, and
• Get the declaration certified by a Chartered Accountant, and submit it to BIS.

Conditions for BIS Certification Under Updated QCO

This order does not apply to imported goods that are already filled with any material, whether solid, liquid, or gas, when they enter India. The order also does not apply to up to 200 units per year of cookware, utensils, or cans that are imported only for research and development (R&D) by manufacturers.

• These items must not be sold in the market.
• After use, they must be disposed of as scrap.
• The manufacturer must keep a year-wise record of these imported items.
• This record must be shared with the Central Government.

Important Notes and Rules:

1. Latest Standards Apply: The Indian Standards mentioned in the Table will always refer to the latest version, including any updates or changes made by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) from time to time.

2. Who Gives Certification and Enforces the Rules: The BIS is the official authority responsible for:

• Certifying the products listed in the Table.
• Making sure these rules are followed.

3. Penalty for Breaking the Rules: If anyone does not follow this order, they can be punished under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.