New Government Mandate Requires Small Businesses to Implement Quality Standard Marking on Ceiling Fans within 9 Months
Introduction: In a significant move aimed at enhancing the quality of ceiling fan production, the government has unveiled a mandatory quality control order (QCO) for ceiling fans. This initiative seeks to curtail the influx of subpar imports and promote the manufacturing of top-notch domestic ceiling fans. The recently issued Electric Ceiling Type Fans (Quality Control) Order, 2023, overseen by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is set to roll out gradually over a span of 6 to 12 months, tailored to businesses of varying sizes.
Implementation Phases: The enforcement of the Electric Ceiling Type Fans (Quality Control) Order, 2023, will be carried out through a well-structured timeline. Following its official release, the order will take effect six months later, as stated in the DPIIT’s announcement dated August 9. Small enterprises, classified in accordance with the parameters outlined in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development Act, 2006 (27 of 2006), will witness the implementation of the order within nine months. Similarly, micro enterprises will need to adhere to the new regulations within a year.
Scope and Applicability: Under the provisions of the order, all domestic enterprises registered on the MSME ministry’s Udyam portal with plant and equipment costs not exceeding Rs 25 lakh and an annual turnover of up to Rs 2 crore will fall under its purview. It’s important to note that this mandate does not pertain to domestically produced items intended for export, thereby ensuring a streamlined impact on local industries while elevating the quality standards of products meant for domestic consumption.
Quality Mark and Compliance: The central facet of the Electric Ceiling Type Fans (Quality Control) Order, 2023, is the requirement for a standardized mark, obtainable through a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This quality mark will serve as a testament to the adherence of ceiling fan manufacturers to the stipulated quality benchmarks. The DPIIT has underscored that failure to comply with the order will invite sanctions in line with the regulations outlined by the Bureau of Indian Standards laws.
Energy Efficiency Star Labelling: This recent quality control order builds upon earlier initiatives, such as the inclusion of ceiling fans in the Bureau of Energy Efficiency’s (BEE) mandatory star labelling norms. These norms, which were introduced in January, encompass electric appliances like ceiling fans and refrigerators. The star labelling mechanism, ranging from one to five stars, communicates energy savings of 30-50 percent to consumers. Manufacturers are mandated to display these star ratings, aiding consumers in making informed choices and incentivizing energy-efficient choices.
Conclusion: The government’s decisive move to implement the Electric Ceiling Type Fans (Quality Control) Order, 2023, underscores its commitment to bolstering domestic manufacturing and ensuring that consumers are provided with high-quality ceiling fans. With a phased approach that accommodates businesses of varying sizes, this initiative aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the nation’s industrial landscape while promoting sustainability and energy efficiency in the realm of electrical appliances.
