BIS QCO for Water Meters and Accessories for Micro and Small Enterprises

Introduction to the BIS QCO for Water Meters and Accessories for Micro and Small Enterprises

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the statutory body entrusted with the formulation and enforcement of quality and safety standards for products sold in India. In order to be reliable, accurate, and safe for people, the Government of India has been passing Quality Control Orders (QCOs) under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, rendering BIS certification compulsory for different categories of products.

Earlier, there were BIS standards of water meters, which were voluntary. As the need to conserve water, measure it accurately, and ensure the quality of infrastructure, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has recently announced the Water Meters and Accessories (Quality Control), 2024, which is mandatory in the BIS certification of certain water metering products and gradually obligatory in micro and small enterprises.

Products that are included in the QCO

This Quality Control Order applies to the following goods and articles:

• IS 2373:1981 – Bulk Type Water Meters
• IS 779:1994 – Domestic Water Meters
• IS 2692:1989 – Ferrules for Water Services

Key Provisions of the Order

1. There must be mandatory adherence to the reported Indian Standards.
2. The Standard Mark (ISI Mark) has to be affixed to products using a legitimate BIS license.
3. The certification should be received according to Scheme-I of the Schedule-II of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
4. The goods produced solely to export are not subject to this Order.
5. The certification and enforcement body will be the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
6. The breach of the requirements of this Order will be punishable in accordance with the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

What is the Date of Implementation?

The implementation schedule of this QCO will be delayed based on the enterprise classification:

• General manufacturers:

Had effect 6 months after the date of publication in the Official Gazette.

• Small enterprises:

Relevant after nine months of publication.

• Micro enterprises:

Valid after a period of twelve months from the date of publication.

Now, what to do?

The manufacturers, importers, and suppliers of water meters and accessories are supposed to do the following:

• Identify the product applicability within the QCO.
• Determine the applicable Indian Standard(s).
• Carry out product testing on BIS-approved labs.
• Create technical and compliance documentation.
• Undertake BIS ISI Mark certification along the stipulated deadlines.
• Make sure it complies to prevent punishment, market limitations, or rejection of products.
• Early compliance is highly encouraged, especially among the MSMEs, so as to have a continuous business operation.

The services that Brand Liaison offers and may offer in terms of end-to-end support of BIS certification and Quality Control Order compliance:

• Water meter and accessories applicability assessment.
• BIS ISI certification under Scheme I.
• Coordination of tests with BIS-recognised laboratories.
• Formation of documentation and filing of applications.
• Direct liaison with the BIS authorities.
• Special compliance assistance for micro and small businesses.

Having a long experience in the BIS certifications and regulatory compliance, Brand Liaison offers a hassle-free, timely, and smooth certification process that allows companies to meet the required standards without any fear.