BIS QCO for Cookware, Utensils and Cans for Foods and Beverages - IS 14756, IS 1660 & More | QCO 2024

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, has issued the Cookware, Utensils and Cans for Foods and Beverages (Quality Control) Order, 2024 vide S.O. 1365(E) dated 14th March, 2024, published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary), Part II - Section 3 - Sub-section (ii).

This Order supersedes the Cookware and Utensils (Quality Control) Order, 2023 and makes it mandatory for all covered cookware, utensils, and cans used for foods and beverages to conform to the relevant Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Indian Standards and bear the ISI Mark (Standard Mark) under a valid BIS licence before being manufactured, imported, or sold in India.

This QCO covers 5 categories of products under 5 Indian Standards:

- Stainless Steel Utensils - IS 14756:2022

- Wrought Aluminium Utensils - IS 1660:2009

- Stainless Steel Sinks for Domestic Purposes - IS 13983:1994

- Round Open Top Sanitary Cans for Foods and Drinks (Tinplate) 

  – IS 9396 (Part 1):1987

- Aluminium Cans for Beverages - IS 14407:1996

The Cookware, Utensils and Cans for Foods and Beverages (Quality Control) Order, 2024 applies to all 5 categories of products specified in the table below, manufactured in India for domestic sale or imported into India for commercial use.

This Order does NOT apply to:

- Products manufactured domestically exclusively for export

- Enterprises registered on Udyam Portal with plant & machinery investment not exceeding ₹25 Lakhs AND turnover not exceeding ₹2 Crore (CA certified)

COMPLETE LIST OF PRODUCTS COVERED

1. STAINLESS STEEL UTENSILS – IS 14756:2022 Covers all types of stainless steel cookware and kitchen utensils 

   used for food preparation, cooking, and serving including:

   • Stainless steel pots, pans, and pressure cookers

   • Kadhai, tawa, and cooking vessels

   • Plates, bowls, glasses, and tumblers

   • Spoons, ladles, and serving utensils

   • Storage containers and dabbas

   • Tea and coffee kettles

   • Stainless steel thalis and katoris

2. WROUGHT ALUMINIUM UTENSILS – IS 1660:2009 Covers aluminium cookware and kitchen utensils made from wrought aluminium including:

   • Aluminium pressure cookers and cooking pots

   • Aluminium kadhai, tawa, and frying pans

   • Aluminium vessels and containers for cooking

   • Aluminium serving dishes and platters

   • Aluminium water storage containers and matkas

3. STAINLESS STEEL SINKS FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES – IS 13983:1994 Covers all types of stainless steel kitchen sinks used in domestic and residential settings including:

   • Single bowl kitchen sinks

   • Double bowl kitchen sinks

   • Under-mount and top-mount kitchen sinks

   • Bar sinks and utility sinks for domestic use

   • Stainless steel wash basins for kitchens

4. ROUND OPEN TOP SANITARY CANS FOR FOODS AND DRINKS (TINPLATE) – IS 9396 (Part 1):1987 Covers round open top sanitary cans made from tinplate used for packaging foods and beverages including:

   • Food grade tin cans for packaged foods

   • Tinplate cans for fruits, vegetables, and processed foods

   • Tinplate cans for beverages and drinks

   • Open top sanitary cans for dairy and food products

   • Packaging cans for confectionery and dry foods

5. ALUMINIUM CANS FOR BEVERAGES - IS 14407:1996 Covers aluminium cans specifically designed for packaging beverages including:

   • Aluminium cans for carbonated soft drinks

   • Aluminium cans for fruit juices and energy drinks

   • Aluminium cans for beer and alcoholic beverages

   • Aluminium cans for water and health beverages

   • Any beverage aluminium can sold in Indian market

Note: The latest version of each Indian Standard including all 

amendments notified by BIS from time to time shall apply from 

the date of such notification.

All Cookware, Utensils and Cans covered under this QCO must:

- Conform to the corresponding Indian Standard as specified in the Table

- Bear the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid BIS licence

- Obtain BIS certification under Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018

- Be tested at BIS-recognised and NABL-accredited laboratories

KEY COMPLIANCE POINTS

1. Food Safety Significance:

This QCO is particularly important as all covered products come in direct contact with food and beverages. BIS certification ensures that these products: • Are made from food-grade materials • Do not leach harmful metals or chemicals into food • Meet hygiene and sanitation requirements • Are safe for cooking at high temperatures

2. Separate Licences for Each Standard:

Manufacturers producing products under multiple standards (e.g., both stainless steel and aluminium utensils) must obtain separate BIS licences for each applicable standard.

3. Importer Compliance:

Importers of cookware, utensils, and cans must ensure all imported products bear valid BIS ISI Mark before customs  clearance and sale in India.

EXEMPTIONS & RELAXATIONS

1. Export Exemption:

   Products manufactured in India exclusively for export are fully exempt from this QCO.

2. Udyam Portal Small Manufacturer Exemption:

   Enterprises registered on Udyam Portal with:

   • Investment in Plant & Machinery / Equipment at original cost not exceeding ₹25 Lakhs, AND

   • Annual Turnover not exceeding ₹2 Crore (CA certified) are fully exempt from this Order.

IMPLEMENTATION DATES

- General Enterprises (excluding Micro & Small): 1st September, 2024

- Small Enterprises: 1st December, 2024

- Micro Enterprises: 1st March, 2025

ENFORCEMENT & PENALTIES

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

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the designated certifying and 

enforcing authority for all Cookware, Utensils and Cans for Foods 

and Beverages covered under this Quality Control Order.

BIS is responsible for:

- Granting ISI Mark licences to manufacturers and importers

- Conducting factory audits and product testing

- Market surveillance for non-compliant cookware and utensils

- Taking enforcement action against non-certified products

For Licence Applications:

- Domestic Manufacturers: www.manakonline.in

- Foreign Manufacturers: BIS Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD), Manakalaya, BIS HQ, New Delhi

- BIS Website: www.bis.gov.in

File No.: P-29026/14/2023-LEI

Order issued by: Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT This Order supersedes: Cookware and Utensils (QCO) Order, 2023

IS 14756:2022 - Stainless Steel Utensils Specifies requirements for stainless steel utensils used for cooking, serving, and storing food and beverages. Key requirements include:

- Grade of stainless steel (food-grade 304/202 grade)

- Surface finish and smoothness to prevent bacterial growth

- Thickness and gauge requirements for different utensil types

- Welding and joint quality requirements

- Absence of harmful elements (nickel, chromium leaching limits)

- Marking requirements - grade, manufacturer, and BIS mark

IS 1660:2009 - Wrought Aluminium Utensils Covers requirements for aluminium cookware made from wrought  aluminium. Key specifications include:

- Aluminium purity and alloy grade requirements

- Minimum thickness for different utensil categories

- Surface treatment and anodizing requirements

- Freedom from harmful contaminants and heavy metals

- Mechanical strength and durability requirements

- Handle and lid fitting requirements

IS 13983:1994 - Stainless Steel Sinks for Domestic Purposes

Specifies requirements for stainless steel kitchen sinks for 

domestic use.

Covers:

- Stainless steel grade (304 grade minimum)

- Dimensional requirements - bowl depth, width, and length

- Surface finish - mirror or brushed finish specifications

- Drain hole position and size requirements

- Thickness of sheet used in construction

- Resistance to corrosion and staining

- Marking and identification requirements

IS 9396 (Part 1):1987 - Round Open Top Sanitary Cans 

for Foods and Drinks (Tinplate)

Covers food-grade tinplate cans used for packaging foods and 

beverages. Key requirements include:

- Tinplate quality and coating weight specifications

- Dimensional standards for different can sizes

- Seam integrity and leak-proof construction

- Internal lacquer coating requirements for food contact

- Sanitary construction to prevent contamination

- Freedom from burrs, sharp edges, and defects

- Marking - capacity, manufacturer, and BIS details

IS 14407:1996 – Aluminium Cans for Beverages

Specifies requirements for aluminium beverage cans. Covers:

- Aluminium alloy grade and purity for beverage contact

- Wall thickness and base design specifications

- Internal coating requirements to prevent metal-beverage reaction

- Pressure resistance for carbonated beverages

- Dimensional tolerances for filling line compatibility

- Sealing and closure requirements

- Surface quality and printing compatibility

Certification Scheme: Scheme-I of Schedule-II, BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018

Note: The latest version of each Indian Standard including all 

amendments notified by BIS from time to time shall apply from 

the date of such notification.

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

Manak Bhavan, 9, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg

New Delhi - 110002

Tel: +91-11-23230131

Website: www.bis.gov.in

Manakonline Portal: www.manakonline.in

Ministry of Commerce and Industry (DPIIT) Udyog Bhavan, New Delhi - 110011

For BIS Branch Office contacts near your manufacturing location:

https://bis.gov.in/index.php/regional-branch-offices-bis-list/

KEY DATES AT A GLANCE:

- Order Published: 14th March, 2024 (S.O. 1365(E))

- Implementation - General Enterprises: 1st September, 2024

- Implementation - Small Enterprises: 1st December, 2024

- Implementation - Micro Enterprises: 1st March, 2025

- This Order supersedes: Cookware and Utensils (QCO) Order, 2023

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is intended for informational purposes only and is based on Gazette of India 

notifications available at the time of publishing. Implementation 

Dates, Product Scope, Exemption Criteria, and other regulatory 

details are subject to change through future Government amendments or BIS notifications at any time. Readers are requested to seek formal legal advice prior to acting upon any information provided herein.

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