Cookware, Utensils and Cans for Foods and Beverages (Quality Control) Order, 2026 - Detailed Information

The Government of India’s Ministry of Steel has issued a new Quality Control Order (QCO) under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act 2016, exercising its powers under sections 16, 17, and 25(3). This regulatory step is designed to ensure product safety, quality, and consumer protection.

These updated Indian standards for cookware replace the previous Quality Control Order for stainless steel products, namely cookware utensils and cans for food and beverages. All enterprises must comply with the update requirement, considering all the deadlines as compulsory regulatory acts. Non-Compliance with these rules carries legal consequences, including penalties, product seizure, and a ban on the sale or distribution of non-certified products.

What products are covered under the new QCO?

The new Quality control order covers steel products, including cookware utensils and cans for food and beverages. All such products must be acquired under BIS standards for stainless steel utensils, which meet the quality control for cookware utensils. Products filled with solid, liquid, or gas are excluded from the scope of the new order. This order came into effect from 1st October 2025, replacing the earlier QCO under the Bureau of Indian Standards(Compulsory Registration and certification) Regulations,2018.

The products that are covered under the new QCO  as per Indian standards

• Stainless Steel Utensils - IS 14756
• Stainless Steel Sinks for Domestic Purposes- IS 13983
• Three-Piece Round Open-Top Metal Cans for Food and Beverages- IS 18427

Transition Period of the existing stock

Businesses holding stock manufactured or imported before the implementation date are granted transitional relief. Some important points need to be considered are given below:-

• The sale of stainless steel utensils is permitted for 6 months after the Implementation date, allowing businesses to clear pre- existing stock inventory.
• Only the products that are already declared and documented before the implementation date are eligible for sale in the Indian market, and all new production must comply with the new QCO updates. 
• A certification declared by a Chartered Accountant (CA) must be submitted to BIS confirming the quantity and value of stock before the implementation date as proof.

Implementation Dates of the Quality Control Order 

The Ministry of Steel has established the following implementation deadlines based on enterprise classification:-

• General Manufacturers-  1st October, 2025
• Small Enterprises- 1st January, 2026
• Micro Enterprises- 1st April, 2026

This phased implementation approach gives smaller enterprises additional time to prepare as per the changes, rather than changing all at once.

Complete List of products covered under QCO

 The BIS amendments under Indian Standards in the appliances (Cookware Utensils and cans for food and Beverages) are listed below:

Conclusion

The QCO amendments 2025 introduced by the Ministry of Steel represent a significant step for Cookware, utensils, and food cans in India. These changes encourage both importers and manufacturers to register their products under BIS certification in India, ensuring that all goods available in the market meet safety and reliability benchmarks for daily use. This new QCO amendment states that no manufacturer or importer can legally sell these products in India without the proper BIS certification; both domestic and foreign manufacturers and importers need to follow the same compliance process.