Mandatory Quality Norms for Smart Meters and Welding Rods

• 04 Aug 2023

Recently, the government has introduced compulsory quality norms for smart meters and welding rods to restrict the import of sub-standard goods and promote domestic manufacturing.

Key Points:

• Mandatory Quality Norms to Boost Domestic Manufacturing: Non-BIS certified products are now prohibited from production, sale/trade, import, and stocking under the BIS Act, 2016.
• Penalties for Violation of BIS Act: Violation of the BIS Act can lead to imprisonment of up to two years or a minimum fine of Rs 2 lakh for the first offence.
• Subsequent offences may attract a minimum fine of Rs 5 lakh or up to 10 times the value of goods or articles.
• Focus on Quality Control Regime for Key Products: The DPIIT aims to establish a quality control regime for key products, including insulated flasks, portable water-bottles, flame-lighters, smart meters, and welding rods.
• The Quality Control Order (QCO) is a mandatory certification scheme that enforces compliance with specified Indian standards for the concerned product.
• Significance of Smart Meters: Smart meters are electronic devices that record information such as electric energy consumption, voltage levels, current, and power factor.
• They provide consumers with detailed consumption behavior and enable electricity suppliers to monitor systems and manage customer billing efficiently.
• Promoting Safety, Quality Standards, and Domestic Industries: The implementation of QCOs for these products is vital for consumer safety and will elevate manufacturing quality standards in the country.
• The move will also help curb the import of sub-standard products and safeguard domestic small/micro industries.