In a move designed to balance quality standards with the needs of Indian businesses, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has announced key relaxations and an extended implementation timeline for the Quality Control Order (QCO) covering cookware, utensils, and cans for foods and beverages.
Originally scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2024, the QCO will now be implemented in phases. Large and medium-scale manufacturers will have until April 1, 2025 to comply, while smaller enterprises are given additional time. Small enterprises will have until July 1, 2025, and micro-enterprises until October 1, 2025 to adhere to the new regulations.
This extension is the result of extensive consultations with industry associations, who highlighted the challenges posed by the initial implementation timeline. The DPIIT recognized the need to address these concerns, particularly for smaller manufacturers.
The DPIIT has also introduced specific relaxations designed to support smaller players, especially very small micro-enterprises registered under the Udyam portal. These enterprises, with investments in plant and machinery not exceeding ₹25 lakh and turnovers under ₹2 crore, have been granted exemption from the QCO, allowing them to operate without the added compliance burden. This relief aligns with the government’s broader agenda of nurturing small businesses, which play a critical role in local employment generation and economic resilience.
Recognizing the challenges faced by manufacturers in clearing existing stock, the DPIIT has allowed a six-month relaxation period. This provision provides businesses additional time to adjust their inventory while ensuring they meet the new quality standards moving forward.
The QCO also contains a crucial exemption for research and development (R&D). Manufacturers involved in R&D will be allowed to import or produce up to 200 units of cookware, utensils, and cans without adhering to the QCO regulations. This measure aims to foster innovation in product development, positioning India as a leader in high-quality manufacturing.
Additionally, the DPIIT has introduced specific exemptions for the import of cans containing powders, semi-solids, liquids, or gases. This further eases the regulatory burden for companies relying on imports.
These measures are part of a wider initiative to reinforce India’s quality control ecosystem, as the country aspires to become a global manufacturing hub. Quality control orders have played a significant role in the success of the Make in India campaign, and the cookware, utensils, and cans QCO, 2024, is seen as a crucial component in this strategy. The DPIIT has issued over 81 QCOs covering more than 330 products, ranging from cement and LPG gas stoves to air conditioners and refrigerators. These QCOs ensure product quality in line with international standards, promoting consumer safety and boosting confidence in domestically produced goods. The cookware, utensils, and cans QCO continues this trend, establishing rigorous standards that will enhance India’s reputation for durable, high-performance products.