On January 21, 2025, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued the Flashlight (Quality Control) Order, 2025 under the powers conferred by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This new regulation is aimed at ensuring the quality of flashlights sold and manufactured within India.
Key Provisions of the Order:
Compulsory Use of Standard Mark:
- From the date specified in the order, flashlights (and related articles) must conform to the Indian Standard IS 2083:2024 (Flashlight – Specification).
- These goods will have to bear the Standard Mark under a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), according to Scheme-1 of Schedule II of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
- Micro and Small Enterprises will need to comply with the Indian Standard within a specified timeline:
- General (Other than Micro and Small Enterprises): 6 months from the date of publication of the Quality Control Order.
- Small Enterprises: 9 months from the date of publication.
- Micro Enterprises: 12 months from the date of publication.
- Exemptions:
- Goods manufactured domestically for export are exempt from this order.
- Manufacturers of flashlights can import up to 50 units per year for research and development purposes without meeting these requirements, provided these goods are not sold commercially and are disposed of as scrap. Manufacturers are required to maintain detailed records for these goods.
Certification and Enforcement:
- The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is designated as the certifying and enforcing authority for the flashlights covered by this order.
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- Any person who violates the provisions of this order will be subject to penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
Implementation Table:
| S. No. | Goods or Articles | Indian Standard | Date of Implementation (General) | Date of Implementation (Small Enterprises) | Date of Implementation (Micro Enterprises) |
| 1 | Flashlight | IS 2083:2024 | 6 months from publication | 9 months from publication | 12 months from publication |
Final Note:
The Flashlight (Quality Control) Order, 2025 seeks to ensure that all flashlights sold or manufactured within India meet a specified quality standard, contributing to product safety and consistency. Manufacturers must adhere to the compliance timelines set forth in the order, or face penalties as outlined under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will oversee the certification and enforcement of these standards, aiming to protect consumers and maintain high-quality standards in the flashlight industry.
