stainless steel utensil industry

Stainless steel utensil creators were asking the government to delay the QCO deadlines for small operations. They warned of major disruption, job losses, and halted production without proper implementation support.

Stainless steel utensil manufacturers have raised strong concerns over upcoming BIS certification rules. They warn that the Quality Control Order (QCO) could severely disrupt the entire industry. The All India Stainless Steel Industries Association (AISSIA) wrote to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. They called for the QCO deadlines for micro and small businesses to be extended immediately.

Medium and large units are already covered by the QCO, which was informed in August 2023. It is set to include small units from July and micro units from October 2025. However, AISSIA says the ecosystem is unprepared. Most micro and small units lack BIS-certified raw materials. Nowadays, approximately 150 of the 8,000–10,000 sellers have BIS licences.

This makes it nearly impossible for utensil makers to comply.

AISSIA also highlighted major issues like stock clearance timelines and high marking fees. They requested clarity on surplus exports and exemptions for MSMEs.

The cost of each BIS exam is ₹35,000, according to President Sailesh Shah. It takes a lot of time and is difficult. Technical queries are still disregarded, he continued, and licence applications are not clear. The industry has crores worth of unsold inventory. It also employs lakhs of workers who now face job insecurity.

Manufacturers argue that utensils are not safety-critical products. Hence, they demand a phased and consultative rollout. “We are committed to quality,” AISSIA said. However, if restrictions are implemented without planning, supply chains would suffer. For a more seamless transition, they also asked for temporary licences based on declarations.

Without relief, utensil manufacturers fear halted production and mass job losses.