Standards Notified for Lighters, Water Botties to Curb Imports in 2023
The requirements will apply to both domestic producers and imports.
According to a statement on Tuesday, the government has announced Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for flame lighters and drinkable water bottles to reduce imports and promote local manufacturing.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade released a statement that said, “The QCOs on Potable Water Bottles” and “Flame-Producing Lighters” shall go into effect six months from the date of the notice.”
The requirements will apply to both domestic producers and imports. Imports of lighters costing less than Rs 20 per piece had been outlawed as of June 29 by the directorate general of international trade.
The most popular cigarette frame lighters are imported for Rs 3–4 a piece and sell for Rs 10–20 at retail.
The manufacturing and import of potable water bottles made of copper, stainless steel, or aluminium are required to be certified following the relevant IS Standard by the QCO for “Potable water bottles,” according to the statement.
“The QCO for ‘Flame-Producing Lighter’ mandates compulsory certification under IS Standards for ‘Safety Specification for Lighters’, and ‘Safety Specifications for Utility Lighters’, for the Flame lighters manufactured for the domestic market or imported into India,” it was noted.
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Relaxations in the deadline for adopting the QCO have been made to benefit domestic micro and small industries. DPIIT has started Sixty-four new QCOs encompassing 317 product standards in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Standards.
Manufacturing, storage, and selling of non-BIS-certified items are now prohibited with the QCOs’ notification. For the first offence, violating a BIS Act provision can result in a sentence of up to two years in jail or a fine of at least Rs 2 lakh. For repeated crimes, the minimum punishment increases to 5 lacks, and the maximum penalty is ten times the value of the items.
In a bold move intended to boost domestic industry and control imports, a series of new quality standards have been notified for lighters and water bottles in 2023. The decision reflects the commitment of government bodies to ensuring that all products that enter or are produced within the country meet the desired benchmarks of quality, safety, and reliability.
As economies become increasingly globalized, the flow of goods and services across borders expands. Unfortunately, this can lead to situations where imported products, often cheaper due to lower production costs in the countries of origin, outcompete local industries. It’s an issue that many countries grapple with, and implementing new standards for lighters and water bottles reflects a strategy to address this concern while raising the bar on product quality.
The decision was taken following consultation with major industry stakeholders, who have long been pushing for better standards and regulations. In addition to supporting local industries, these standards address safety concerns and promote consumer confidence.
The new standards for lighters focus on improving safety and functionality. They are designed to reduce the likelihood of accidental fires and ensure that products are long-lasting and reliable. Standards cover the materials used, the design and construction, flame height, resistance to temperature, drop, and stress, and child resistance.
In particular, the new rules mandate that all lighters include child-resistant features. The statistics on accidental fires caused by children playing with lighters have been alarming, and this standard is a crucial step toward addressing this severe safety issue.
Additionally, every lighter must pass rigorous quality control tests to ensure it functions effectively over its lifespan. These tests include temperature resistance tests, in which lighters must remain operational in varying temperatures, and durability tests that ensure the lighter can withstand physical stress and drops.
Water bottles, a common household item, have also been targeted with new quality standards. These rules revolve around material safety, durability, and environmental impact. The goal is to ensure that water bottles are safe to use, long-lasting, and have minimal environmental effects.
For instance, the new standards stipulate that all water bottles must be made of food-grade materials, free from harmful substances like BPA (Bisphenol A), phthalates, and lead. Water bottles also must undergo rigorous testing for leaching, where the bottle is filled with a liquid that simulates water and is left at varying temperatures for set periods to ensure no harmful substances leach into the liquid.
Regarding durability, the standards outline specific drop and pressure tests to ensure the bottles can withstand everyday wear and tear. Moreover, the new regulations stipulate that all water bottles must be recyclable, considering the environmental footprint and promoting circular economies.
The implementation of these standards is anticipated to have a significant effect on imports. Products that meet these new benchmarks will be allowed into the country, protecting domestic manufacturers from being undercut by cheaper, lower-quality imports.
However, this means that all imports will continue. Manufacturers willing to comply with these standards will still have access to the market. However, the additional costs associated with ensuring compliance might raise the prices of imported products, making locally-produced alternatives more competitive.
Introducing these new standards for lighters and water bottles is a welcome move, reflecting an ongoing commitment to improving product quality and safety, bolstering local industries, and minimizing environmental impact. It’s a significant step forward, aligning with international best practices and providing an example for other countries grappling with similar issues. Only time will reveal the full impact of these new standards, but the immediate outlook is positive and promising.
