<h1>India Mandates Certification for Smart Meters, Welding Products Under New Quality Control Orders, Effective January 2024.</h1> The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has issued new Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for smart meters and welding rods and electrodes, effective six months from July 14, 2023. These QCOs mandate compulsory certification under Indian Standards for products manufactured domestically or imported into India. The initiative aims to enhance product quality, curb sub-standard imports, and support the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. Extensive stakeholder consultations preceded the QCOs, which were legally vetted and shared with the World Trade Organisation for feedback. Non-compliance will lead to penalties, including fines and imprisonment, under the BIS Act, 2016.