BIS Certification for Stainless Steel Utensils IS 14756:2024 - Complete QCO 2025 Compliance Guide

BIS certification is a license issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards that authorizes manufacturers to affix the ISI Mark on stainless steel utensils.

Under IS 14756:2024, certified products are tested for:

• Material composition and grade suitability

• Food contact safety

• Mechanical strength and durability

• Manufacturing consistency and hygiene

From the QCO implementation dates onward, stainless steel utensils without a BIS license cannot be manufactured, sold, distributed, or imported in India.

The Quality Control Order was notified on 21 August 2025 and introduces mandatory certification to:

• Protect consumers from sub-standard cookware that may leach harmful metals

• Ensure uniform quality across domestic and imported utensils

• Prevent unfair competition from non-compliant manufacturers

• Strengthen India's food safety ecosystem

The QCO also covers other products such as wrought aluminium utensils, stainless steel sinks, and metal cans, but this guide focuses specifically on stainless steel utensils under IS 14756:2024.

Category	BIS Compliance Deadline
General Enterprises	1 October 2025
Small Enterprises	1 January 2026
Micro Enterprises	1 April 2026

MSME classification is determined as per the MSMED Act, 2006 and Udyam registration.

BIS certification applies to:

1. Domestic Manufacturers

All Indian manufacturers producing stainless steel utensils for the domestic market must obtain BIS certification before sale.

2. Importers

Import of stainless steel utensils is prohibited unless products carry a valid BIS license and ISI Mark.

3. Foreign Manufacturers

Foreign manufacturers exporting utensils to India must obtain BIS certification and comply with Scheme-I of BIS regulations.

The following are exempted, subject to conditions:

• Export-only manufacturing (no domestic sale)

• Pre-filled imports (goods already filled with food, liquid, or gas at import)

• R&D imports up to 200 units per year, not for commercial sale

• Old stock manufactured or imported before implementation (sale allowed for 6 months with CA-certified declaration)

• Udyam-registered units with investment ≤ ₹25 lakh and turnover ≤ ₹2 crore (timeline-based relief applies)

Step 1: Application Filing

Submission of Form V through the BIS portal under Scheme-I.

Step 2: Product Testing

Samples are tested in a BIS-recognized laboratory as per IS 14756:2024.

Step 3: Document Submission

Upload technical documents, quality manuals, and compliance records.

Step 4: Factory Inspection

BIS officials conduct a physical inspection of the manufacturing facility.

Step 5: Grant of BIS License

Upon compliance, BIS issues the license to use the ISI Mark.

Step 6: Validity & Renewal

License validity: 2 years. Renewal requires surveillance audit and compliance review.

• Business / Factory License

• Product drawings and specifications

• Test reports from BIS-recognized lab

• Quality Management System documents (ISO 9001 preferred)

• Trademark registration or authorization

• Chartered Accountant certificate (for exemptions / old stock)

• MSME / Udyam registration (if applicable)

• BIS application fee: ₹1,000

• Product testing: ₹20,000 – ₹50,000

• License fee: ₹1,000 + ₹2,000 per product

• Inspection & surveillance fees: As per BIS schedule

Any violation of the QCO is punishable under the BIS Act, 2016, which may include:

• Monetary penalties

• Seizure of goods

• Prosecution

• Import or sale prohibition

• Assuming BIS is optional or voluntary

• Misinterpreting implementation dates

• Ignoring MSME-specific timelines

• Applying without factory readiness

• Selling old stock without CA declaration

Standphill India ensures zero-error compliance by handling both regulatory interpretation and execution.

Standphill India is a trusted BIS certification consultancy with extensive experience in:

• QCO-based mandatory certifications

• Factory inspection preparation

• Product testing coordination

• Import-export regulatory compliance

• MSME and foreign manufacturer support

We translate complex regulatory notifications into clear, actionable compliance steps.

The BIS Certification for Stainless Steel Utensils (IS 14756:2024) is not merely a regulatory formality—it is a mandatory market entry requirement from October 2025. Manufacturers and importers must act proactively to avoid business disruption.

As demonstrated with STILLO HOME PRODUCTS, Standphill India offers complete BIS certification support—from application to license grant—ensuring your products remain compliant, competitive, and legally marketable in India.

Secure your BIS certification before the QCO deadline — contact Standphill India for expert guidance and seamless compliance.

Q1. Is BIS certification mandatory for stainless steel utensils?

Yes. BIS certification is mandatory under QCO 2025 from the applicable implementation date (October 2025 for general enterprises).

Q2. Do MSMEs get extra time for compliance?

Yes. Small enterprises get time until January 2026 and micro enterprises until April 2026.

Q3. Can old stock be sold without BIS?

Yes, for up to 6 months after implementation, with a CA-certified declaration to BIS.

Q4. Is BIS required for export-only production?

No. BIS certification is not required for goods manufactured exclusively for export.

Q5. Are imported filled utensils exempt?

Yes. Goods filled with food, liquid, or gas at import are exempt.

Q6. What is the validity of BIS certification for utensils?

BIS license is valid for 2 years and must be renewed with surveillance audit.

Q7. Can foreign manufacturers apply directly?

Yes, foreign manufacturers can apply under Scheme-I with an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

Q8. What products are covered under IS 14756:2024?

All stainless steel utensils for cooking, serving, and storing food, including pots, pans, tiffins, spoons, forks, etc.

Q9. How long does the certification process take?

Approximately 30-45 days after sample testing, depending on factory readiness.

Q10. What happens if I sell non-BIS certified utensils after the deadline?

It may lead to penalties up to ₹2 lakh, seizure of goods, and prosecution under BIS Act, 2016.