The All India Steel Bottles Association, a pivotal body representing manufacturers across the nation, has ardently commended the Government of India for implementing the Bureau of Indian Standards guidelines for stainless steel bottles. Effective from June 5, 2024, this initiative marks a significant stride in the government's ongoing efforts to support the 'Make in India' and 'Aatma Nirbhar Bharat' programs, which are designed to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on imports. The BIS guidelines specifically target the stainless steel bottle industry, mandating rigorous quality control measures that ensure all products, whether manufactured domestically or imported, meet stringent standards.
The newly enforced BIS guidelines unequivocally stipulate that no stainless steel bottles can be imported into India without the requisite BIS certification. This regulation extends to all domestically produced and sold bottles, which must also bear the BIS certification. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has made it clear that no further extensions will be granted for the implementation of these guidelines. Large and medium manufacturers are strictly prohibited from selling non-BIS-certified bottles, while a grace period of 6 to 9 months has been provided to small and micro manufacturers to comply with the new standards. This phased approach underscores the government's commitment to nurturing the domestic industry while ensuring that consumers receive high-quality, safe products.
To further bolster domestic manufacturing, the government has introduced several supportive measures aimed at facilitating the transition to the new BIS standards. The Bureau of Indian Standards is offering expedited approvals and licenses, along with discounts for manufacturers who establish production units within India. These incentives are specifically tailored to distinguish products based on their place of manufacture, giving Indian-made products a competitive advantage. By enabling swift adaptation to the new standards, the government is ensuring that domestic manufacturers can not only maintain but also enhance their market competitiveness in the face of global competition.
Industry leaders have lauded this move as a significant boost for the stainless steel bottle sector. Mr. Bharat Agarwal, Director of Crown Craft India and Treasurer of the All India Steel Bottles Association, expressed his gratitude for the government's proactive stance. He noted that the Quality Control Orders for stainless steel bottles represent a lifeline for the industry, enabling Indian companies to immediately replace import volumes with domestically produced, BIS-certified products. Mr. Agarwal highlighted the preparedness of Indian manufacturers to meet the new standards, as demonstrated during the Bureau of Indian Standards conference held on July 2 at the HGH trade show in Mumbai. The conference underscored the illegality of selling non-BIS-certified imported items, with stringent measures in place for enforcement, including potential confiscation of non-compliant products.
The legal implications of the BIS Act, 2016, which governs the certification process, are far-reaching. Under this act, it is a punishable offense to import, manufacture, promote, store, sell, or distribute any product that lacks BIS certification. Consumers and traders are advised to verify the CML Number and ISI Markings on stainless steel bottles before making a purchase. The relevant ISI markings include IS 17526 for vacuum-insulated flasks and bottles, and IS 17803 for non-insulated
