The All India Steel Bottles Association extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India for the implementation of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) guidelines for stainless steel bottles, effective from June 5, 2024. This important initiative supports the 'Make in India' and 'Aatma Nirbhar Bharat' programs, as well as the larger goals of promoting a healthy India ('Swasth Bharat') and protecting the environment. The Quality Control Orders (QCO) for stainless steel vacuum-insulated water bottles and portable stainless steel water bottles represent a major step forward for the industry, predominantly in the MSME sector.

The BIS guidelines mandates that no stainless steel bottles can be imported into India without BIS certification. Additionally, all stainless steel bottles manufactured and sold domestically must carry the BIS certification. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has clarified that there will be no further extensions for the implementation of these guidelines. Large and medium manufacturers are strictly prohibited from selling non-BIS certified bottles, while small and micro manufacturers have been granted an exemption period of 6 to 9 months, respectively.

The government has highlighted its commitment to supporting and promoting the domestic industry. To facilitate this, BIS is offering faster approvals, licenses, and discounts for manufacturers setting up units within India, differentiating products based on their place of manufacture. Indian-made products are eligible for these benefits, ensuring that domestic manufacturers can quickly adapt to the new standards and maintain their market competitiveness.

Bharat Agarwal, Director of Crown Craft India and Treasurer of the All India Steel Bottles Association, expressed his gratitude, stating, "We are immensely grateful to the government for implementing the QCO for stainless steel bottles. This move will provide a lifeline to our industry and offer Indian consumers better quality products. As per the recent conference by the Bureau of India Standards on 2nd July during the HGH trade show in Mumbai, the officials mentioned that selling any imported items is now illegal and can lead to confiscation. In preparation to the same, Indian companies already have the installed capacities to replace import volumes immediately, showcasing our dedication to meeting BIS standards."

As part of the BIS Act, 2016, it is a punishable offence to import, manufacture, promote, store, sell and distribute any product which is not BIS certified. It has also been advised to always check the CML Number and below stated ISI Markings before purchasing and accepting the product:

•         IS 17526 - for Vacuum Insulated Flasks & Bottles

•         IS 17803 - for Non Insulated Bottles