Cookware, Utensils and Cans for Foods and Beverages (QCO) Quality Control Order, 2026

The Government of India has introduced a significant regulatory update through the Cookware, Utensils and Cans for Foods and Beverages (Quality Control) Order, 2026, issued by the Ministry of Steel. This Quality Control Order (QCO) mandates BIS certification and ISI marking for specific stainless steel and food-grade metal products to ensure safety, quality, and compliance with Indian standards.

As per the official Gazette notification dated 30 March 2026, the Government has exercised powers under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 to regulate cookware and food-contact products in India.

This order replaces the earlier Cookware, Utensils and Cans for Foods and Beverages (Quality Control) Order, 2025, specifically for:

• Stainless steel utensils
• Stainless steel sinks
• Metal cans used for food and beverages

The objective is to ensure that all such products meet Indian Standards (IS standards) and carry the ISI mark under BIS certification.

This article provides a complete breakdown of the QCO notification, including applicability, implementation dates, exemptions, BIS certification requirements, and its impact on manufacturers and importers.

Key Highlights of the Cookware, Utensils and Cans for Foods and Beverages QCO 2026

1. Mandatory BIS Certification

All specified products must:

• Conform to relevant Indian Standards
• Carry the Standard Mark (ISI Mark)
• Be certified under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018)

2. Effective Immediately

The order comes into force from the date of publication in the Gazette, i.e., 30 March 2026.

3. Applicable Products

The QCO applies to:

• Cookware for food and beverages
• Stainless steel utensils
• Stainless steel kitchen sinks
• Three-piece round open top metal cans

Products Covered Under the QCO

The notification clearly specifies the following products along with their respective Indian Standards:

1. Stainless Steel Utensils

• IS 14756:2024
• Covers kitchen utensils used for food preparation and consumption

2. Stainless Steel Sinks (Domestic Use)

• IS 13983:1994
• Includes kitchen sinks used in households

3. Metal Cans for Food & Beverages

• IS 18427:2024
• Covers three-piece round open top cans

These standards ensure:

• Food safety
• Corrosion resistance
• Structural durability
• Hygiene compliance

Implementation Timeline (Very Important for SEO Snippet)

The QCO provides a structured implementation timeline based on enterprise size:

This phased implementation helps MSMEs comply without sudden disruption.

Important Exemptions Under the QCO

The notification also provides certain exemptions, which are critical for businesses:

1. Export-Oriented Products

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

2. Existing Stock Clearance

Manufacturers and importers are allowed to sell existing stock if:

• The goods were manufactured or imported before implementation
• They have applied for BIS certification

They can sell such stock for up to 6 months from the applicable implementation date, provided:

• A declaration certified by a Chartered Accountant is submitted to BIS

3. Imported Pre-Filled Products

The QCO does not apply to imported goods that are already filled with material (solid, liquid, or gas).

BIS Certification Process for Covered Products

To comply with this QCO, businesses must follow the BIS certification process:

Step 1: Application Submission

Submit application with:

• Product details
• Manufacturing information

Step 2: Product Testing

Testing must be conducted in:

• BIS-approved laboratories

Step 3: Factory Inspection

BIS officials inspect:

• Manufacturing process
• Quality control system

Step 4: Grant of License

Once approved:

• BIS license is issued
• ISI mark can be used

Documents Required for BIS Certification

• Company registration certificate
• Manufacturing license
• Test reports
• Quality control documents
• Factory layout
• Product details

BIS Certification Cost for Cookware, Utensils & Cans (ISI Mark Fees)

Understanding the cost of BIS certification (ISI mark) is crucial for manufacturers and importers planning compliance under the Cookware QCO 2026. The total cost is not fixed and depends on multiple factors such as product type, testing requirements, factory location, and certification scheme.

1. Application Fee

• Approx. ₹1,000
• Paid at the time of submitting the BIS application

2. Product Testing Charges

• Approx. ₹5,000 to ₹50,000+ (can go higher)
• Depends on:
  • Product type (utensils, sinks, cans)
  • Number of tests required
  • Laboratory charges

Testing is mandatory in BIS-approved labs.

3. Factory Inspection Charges

• Approx. ₹7,000 or more
• Includes:
  • Inspection of manufacturing unit
  • Quality control verification

4. BIS License Fee

• Approx. ₹1,000 per year
• Paid after approval for use of ISI mark

5. Marking Fee (ISI Mark Usage Fee)

• Variable cost (very important)
• Charged based on:
  • Production volume
  • Product category

This fee can be:

• Per unit basis
• Or minimum annual marking fee

(Defined by BIS for each Indian Standard)

Total Cost Summary

Conclusion

The Cookware, Utensils and Cans QCO 2026 is a major regulatory step towards ensuring food safety, product quality, and consumer protection in India. By making BIS certification and ISI marking mandatory, the government aims to eliminate substandard products and promote standardized manufacturing practices.

For manufacturers and importers, this QCO presents both compliance challenges and growth opportunities. Businesses that adapt quickly and obtain BIS certification will gain a strong competitive advantage in the market.

FAQs – Cookware QCO 2026

1. What is the Cookware QCO 2026?

The Cookware, Utensils and Cans for Foods and Beverages (Quality Control) Order, 2026 is a government regulation that mandates BIS certification and ISI marking for specific food-contact products to ensure safety and quality standards in India.

2. Is BIS certification mandatory under this QCO?

Yes, BIS certification is mandatory. All specified products must comply with Indian Standards and carry the ISI mark before being sold in India.

3. Which products are covered under this QCO?

The QCO covers stainless steel utensils, stainless steel sinks for domestic use, and three-piece round open top metal cans used for food and beverages.

4. What are the implementation dates?

Implementation starts from:

• 1 October 2025 (large enterprises)
• 1 January 2026 (small enterprises)
• 1 April 2026 (micro enterprises)

5. Are export products covered under this QCO?

No, products manufactured in India exclusively for export are exempted from this QCO.

6. Can existing stock be sold after implementation?

Yes, existing stock can be sold for up to 6 months after implementation, provided a declaration is submitted to BIS.

7. Is BIS certification required for imported products?

Yes, importers must ensure that products comply with Indian Standards and are BIS certified before importing into India.

8. What happens if a business does not comply?

Non-compliance can result in penalties, product seizure, and legal action under the BIS Act.

9. Who enforces this QCO?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is responsible for certification and enforcement.

10. Are R&D imports allowed?

Yes, up to 200 units per year can be imported for R&D purposes, but they cannot be sold commercially.