The Quality Control Order (QCO), 2024 on Cookware, Utensils, and Cans for Foods and Beverages is one of the many initiatives of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) for quality ecosystem development, attracting investments and fostering entrepreneurial talent that places paramount importance on product quality.

To enhance ease of doing business, several relaxations have been introduced in the said QCO, which includes exemption from the QCO for very small micro-enterprises (i.e., micro-enterprises registered under the Udyam portal) where the investment in plant and machinery does not exceed 25 lakhs, and the turnover does not exceed 2 crore.

Further, a six-month relaxation to clear legacy stock has been provided through a specific provision and exemption for the import of cans filled with powder, semi-solid, liquid, or gas through a specific provision has been introduced.

An exemption for 200 units of cookware, utensils, and cans for food and beverages intended for research and development (R&D) by manufacturers of such goods and articles has also been introduced through a specific provision.

The Cookware and Utensils (Quality Control) Order, 2023 which was earlier notified on 10^th August 2023 contains 5 Indian Standards (IS). The said QCO was extended with the amendment in name of the QCO i.e. “Cookware, Utensils, and Cans for Foods and Beverages (Quality Control) Order, 2024” which was notified on 15^th March 2024 and effective from 1^st September 2024 for Large and Medium-Scale Manufacturers and foreign manufacturers.

DPIIT has further extended the date of implementation of the said QCO vide e-Gazette notification dated 14^th October 2024 after consultation with Industry Associations/ Industry to address the issues faced in the implementation of the QCO and has introduced certain relaxations. The QCO shall now be implemented from 1st April 2025. For Small Enterprises and for Micro Enterprises the QCO shall be effective from 1^st July 2025 and 1st October 2025, respectively. This extension period has been provided to enable domestic manufacturers to align with the enhanced quality standards while contributing to India's broader economic goals of achieving self-reliance and manufacturing excellence.

Compliance with the Standards will promote growth in the corridors of performance, durability, and dependency. India is, therefore, poised to be recognized as the manufacturing hub of premium quality goods on the back of a strong Industry-Government partnership as homegrown brands are set to capture a significant market share by fostering consumer trust.

Quality Control Order relaxations ease compliance with exemptions and staggered implementation to support manufacturers and R&D. Relaxations to the Quality Control Order for Cookware, Utensils, and Cans exempt very small Udyam registered micro enterprises meeting investment and turnover thresholds, allow a temporary period to clear legacy stock, provide an exemption for import of cans already filled with contents, and permit a limited R&D exemption for manufacturers. The amended 2024 Order was re notified with postponed implementation and staged commencement for large/medium, small, and micro enterprises to enable alignment with enhanced quality standards.