In a significant move to ensure the quality and safety of bottled water dispensers in India, the Central Government has issued the “Bottled Water Dispensers (Quality Control) Order, 2023” vide order no. S.O. 4647(E) issued on 25th October 2023. This order, which comes into effect after six months from its publication in the Official Gazette, is enacted under the authority granted by Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
The government, after consulting with the Bureau of Indian Standards, has deemed it necessary and in the public interest to implement this order. The order mandates that goods or articles falling under the scope of this regulation, as specified in the provided table, must conform to the corresponding Indian Standard mentioned in the same table. Additionally, they must bear the Standard Mark, obtained through a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards, as per Scheme-1 of Schedule-II to the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
It’s worth noting that this order does not apply to goods or articles manufactured domestically for export. The government has introduced a phased implementation plan for different business categories.
For micro-enterprises, as defined under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006, this order will become effective twelve months from the date of its publication. For small enterprises, as per the same definition, the order will be enforced nine months from the date of publication.
Any individual or entity found to be in violation of its provisions will be subject to legal repercussions under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
Support our journalism by subscribing to Taxscan premium. Follow us on Telegram for quick updates
