New Delhi: The Indian government has introduced a fresh quality control mandate for aluminium cookware and beverage cans. This move comes even as authorities work to streamline other quality control orders to reduce compliance burdens on businesses.
New Certification Requirements
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade officially notified the Cookware, Utensils and Cans for Foods and Beverages (Quality Control) Order, 2026 on Friday. This order replaces the previous 2025 version.
Under the new regulations, wrought aluminium utensils and aluminium beverage cans must now carry compulsory certification. Manufacturers must use the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mark on these specified products.
Phased Implementation Timeline
The government has established different compliance deadlines based on enterprise size:
- General manufacturers (excluding micro and small enterprises) must comply by October 1, 2026
- Small enterprises have until January 1, 2027
- Micro enterprises receive the longest grace period until April 1, 2027
Both domestic producers and importers fall under these requirements. However, goods manufactured in India exclusively for export markets remain exempt from the certification mandate.
Strategic Shift in Quality Control Approach
This aluminium cookware and beverage cans order represents a strategic shift in India's quality control framework. The government recently withdrew approximately 50 quality control orders over the past two months.
These withdrawals followed recommendations from a NITI Aayog committee chaired by former Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba. Authorities responded to industry concerns about overlapping regulations, compliance readiness challenges, and implementation costs.
India currently maintains 712 quality control orders, down from a peak of 761 orders previously in effect.
Focus on Consumer Safety
Jaijit Bhattacharya, founder and president of the Centre for Digital Economy Policy Research (C-DEP), explained the government's new approach. "The aluminium cookware and beverage cans order fits into this narrower focus on products with direct consumer health and safety implications," he said.
Bhattacharya added that this targeted approach continues "even as the broader QCO framework undergoes review and consolidation."
Transition Provisions and Exemptions
The notification includes important transition arrangements for businesses. A six-month sell-through window applies to existing stock manufactured or imported before the respective implementation dates.
To qualify for this window, businesses must submit a declaration certified by a chartered accountant to the Bureau of Indian Standards.
The order specifically exempts products already imported while filled with solid, liquid, or gaseous material. Additionally, manufacturers may import up to 200 units annually for research and development purposes.
These R&D imports must not be sold commercially and must eventually be disposed of as scrap material.
Technical Standards and Enforcement
The applicable standards include IS 1660:2024 for wrought aluminium utensils and IS 14407:2023 for aluminium beverage cans. The Bureau of Indian Standards will automatically apply the latest versions and amendments to these standards.
BIS will serve as both the certifying authority and enforcement body under this new quality control order.
Market Context and Impact
Commerce ministry data reveals significant import activity in these product categories. Imports of products under the aluminium quality control order increased to $66.65 million in FY25 from $57.28 million in FY24.
Major source countries include the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, China, Thailand, the United States, and Sri Lanka.
The new order will directly affect domestic manufacturers, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and importers of aluminium cookware and beverage cans. These businesses must now ensure their products meet BIS standards.
Consumers stand to benefit from improved product quality and safety standards. Testing laboratories and certification bodies may experience increased demand as companies seek compliance with the new requirements.
This development follows recent trade measures including India's imposition of a five-year anti-dumping duty on Chinese aluminium foil and certain chemicals.
