BIS Quality Control Amendment Order, 2024 for Flame-Producing Lighters

Introduction to the BIS QCO for Flame-Producing Lighters

The Flame-Producing Lighters (Quality Control) Order, 2023 was notified by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on 5th July 2023 in order to ensure the safety as well as the quality of flame-producing lighters sold in the Indian market.

Under the original Quality Control Order:

1. All flame-producing lighters manufactured for domestic sale or imported into India must surely comply with the prescribed Indian Standards.
2. The products must carry the ISI Mark under a valid BIS license.
3. The applicable standards include:
   1. IS/ISO 9994:2018 – Lighters (Safety Specification)
   2. IS/ISO 22702:2018 – Utility Lighters (Safety Specification)

Now, through the Amendment Order, which was issued on 20th September 2024, the Government has introduced multiple clarifications as well as several exemptions in order to ease compliance for specific categories.

Key changes you should know

The Flame-Producing Lighters (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024, clarifies that the QCO will not apply to the following categories:

1. Goods that are manufactured domestically for export purposes.
2. Micro enterprises that are registered on the Udyam Portal, provided:
   1. Investment in plant and machinery or equipment does not exceed ₹25 lakh.
   2. Annual turnover does not exceed ₹2 crore in the previous financial year (This must be certified by a Chartered Accountant)
3. Existing stock manufactured or imported before the commencement date, if:
   1. The manufacturer is already BIS-certified or has applied for certification, or
   2. The importer has imported the goods before commencement
   3. Such declared stock can be sold for a limited transition period

These changes are mainly aimed at reducing immediate compliance pressure, especially for small as well as micro-level manufacturers.

What is the date of implementation?

1. The Amendment Order comes into force from the date of its publication.
2. Effective date: 20th September 2024
3. Old stock relaxation:
   1. Sale of declared stock is permitted up to six months from the commencement date, subject to a declaration certified by a Chartered Accountant.

Now, what to do?

Manufacturers, importers, as well as brand owners who are dealing with flame-producing lighters should reassess their compliance position in light of the new exemptions.

Important steps businesses should take to stay compliant and legally eligible for the market include:

1. Check whether products are meant for domestic sale or export.
2. Verify Udyam registration status and eligibility under micro-enterprise limits.
3. Identify and declare pre-existing stock, if applicable.
4. Arrange Chartered Accountant certification for exemption or a stock declaration.
5. For non-exempt products, continue preparation for BIS certification and ISI marking.
6. Maintain clear records in order to avoid enforcement issues during inspections.

For complete support, mainly covering exemption assessment, BIS certification guidance, documentation, as well as comprehensive compliance planning, Brand Liaison helps businesses ensure smooth and risk-free compliance under the Flame-Producing Lighters Quality Control framework.