DPIIT notifies Quality Control Orders for Drums & Tins

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and stakeholders has been identifying key products for notifying Quality Control Orders (QCO). This initiative has led to the development of more than 60 new QCOs covering 318 product standards, including seven standards related to drums and tins.

Drums are cylindrical containers used for packing various substances, while tins are containers made of tin-coated sheet metal used for packing food items and other products. These containers are used for storing and transporting a wide range of substances, including hazardous materials, making it crucial for them to meet high-quality standards.

DPIIT has notified the Drums and Tins (Quality Control) Order, 2023, to ensure the quality of these products. This order mandates adherence to specific Indian standards for the manufacture of drums and tins. The implementation of QCOs is part of India’s commitment to enhancing product quality and ensuring that “Made in India” products meet high-quality standards. These efforts aim to improve the manufacturing quality standards in the country, enhance product quality, and promote the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative.

QCOs are typically voluntary compliance standards unless they are notified by the Central Government to make them mandatory through Quality Control Orders or Compulsory Registration Orders (CRO) under the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018.

The QCO for drums and tins is set to come into force six months from the date of notification in the E-Gazette. Small and micro industries have been provided with relaxation regarding timelines for implementation to support ease of doing business. Additionally, exemption has been granted for drums and tins filled with materials in powder, semi-solid, or liquid form when imported into India. The implementation of these QCOs is expected to enhance consumer safety, improve manufacturing quality standards, and prevent the import of sub-standard products into India. These initiatives, coupled with the development of quality testing labs and product manuals, will contribute to building a quality ecosystem in India and align with the vision of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.