BIS Draft QCO for Writing & Printing Papers, Coated Paper & Board, 2024

Introduction to the BIS Draft QCO for Writing & Printing Papers, Coated Paper & Board, 2024

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, has issued a Draft Quality Control Order (QCO), 2024 for Writing and Printing Papers, Coated Paper, and Board.

This order is titled Writing and Printing Papers, Coated Paper and Board (Quality Control) Order, 2024. It has been issued under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, after consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

The objective of this Draft QCO is to ensure quality, safety, and standardisation of paper and board products sold in the Indian market.

Key Changes of the QCO You Should Know

Under this Draft QCO:

1. Specified paper and board products must comply with the applicable Indian Standards (IS)
2. These products must bear the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark)
3. BIS certification must be obtained under Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018
4. BIS will act as the certifying and enforcing authority
5. Non-compliance may attract penalties under the BIS Act, 2016

Products Covered under this QCO

The following goods and articles are covered under the Draft QCO, along with their applicable Indian Standards:

• Writing and Printing Papers
  IS 1848 (Part 1): 2018
  IS 1848 (Part 2): 2018
• Coated Papers and Board (Art and Chromo)
  IS 4658: 2019

Note: The latest version of the Indian Standards, including amendments notified by BIS from time to time, shall apply.

Exemptions to this QCO

This Draft QCO shall not apply to goods or articles manufactured domestically for export.

What is the Date of Implementation?

The Writing and Printing Papers, Coated Paper and Board (Quality Control) Order, 2024 shall come into force:

• After the expiry of 180 days from the date of publication of the notification in the Official Gazette

Manufacturers must ensure BIS compliance before this deadline to continue selling their products in India.

Now, What to Do?

Manufacturers and importers dealing with writing and printing papers, coated paper, and board should:

• Check whether their products fall under the scope of this Draft QCO
• Identify the applicable Indian Standards for their products
• Review current product specifications and quality parameters
• Plan testing and BIS certification under Scheme-I
• Prepare documentation well in advance of the implementation date

Early preparation will help avoid penalties, certification delays, and disruption in market supply.

Brand Liaison supports manufacturers and importers in implementing BIS QCO requirements for writing and printing papers, coated paper, and board, including standard applicability assessment, BIS certification filing, test coordination, documentation support, and regulatory liaison. With strong experience in BIS Quality Control Orders, Brand Liaison helps businesses achieve smooth compliance and uninterrupted market access in India.