Centre issues quality control order for rubber gaskets used in pressure cookers

In a bid to protect the interest of consumers, the government has issued a quality control order (QCO) for rubber gaskets used in pressure cookers.

In a statement, dated December 14, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said the Rubber Gaskets for Pressure Cookers (Quality Control) Order, 2023 will come into force in six months for businesses other than Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

While the norms will take effect in nine months for MSMEs, other small businesses will be given one year, from the date of the notification, to comply with the order.

The central government makes the use of standard marks mandatory for the rubber gaskets as per the Bureau of Indian Standards, according to the official statement.

The norms will be applicable to the domestically produced gaskets for use within the country.

As per the order, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will provide the certification and will ensure the enforcement of the order for the following goods:

"Any person who contravenes the provisions of this Order shall be punishable under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016," according to the department.