Breather for MSMEs on asbestos compliance
Govt allowed micro units to comply with QCO within 12 months of the issuance of the notification, small units have been given 9 months
These QCOs have the right ingredients for strengthening the quality standards of ‘Made in India’ products, without compromising on the range of goods being made available to the Indian consumer, it added
New Delhi: The central government has exempted micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the provisions of the notification Asbestos or Fibre Cement-based Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024, for specified periods.
While micro units have been allowed to comply with the Quality Control Order (QCO) within 12 months of the issuance of the notification, small units have been given nine months.
The definitions of ‘mirco’ and ‘small’ units are in accordance with the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act-2006. The exemption is also extended to the goods or articles manufactured domestically for the purpose of export.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) shall be the certifying and enforcing authority for the goods or articles. Any person who contravenes any of the provisions of this QCO shall be punishable under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act-2016, says the notification.
The government has been working in ‘mission mode’ to develop a robust quality ecosystem in India, the hallmark being the emphasis on superior and safety compliant products to take the economy to higher echelons of growth and development, an official press said earlier.
As part of this endeavor, QCOs are being rapidly introduced by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) for critical products impacting consumer safety like electrical accessories, laboratory glassware, hinges, copper products, and door fittings. These QCOs have the right ingredients for strengthening the quality standards of ‘Made in India’ products, without compromising on the range of goods being made available to the Indian consumer, it added. This focused approach for restricting the circulation of substandard products shall be a crucial driver for establishing India as a manufacturing powerhouse synonymous with best-in-class quality products.
While the standards issued by the BIS for any product or process are for voluntary compliance, those notified by the government through issuance of Technical Regulations primarily through QCOs under Scheme-I and Compulsory Registration Order under Scheme-II are mandatory in nature.