Effective Implementation of QCO DPIIT (Consumer Industry Section)

A stakeholder consultation review meeting was held on 25th June 2024 at 05:30 PM through Hybrid Mode (Physical and Video Conference) to discuss the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) on (Wood Based Boards). (Plywood and Woodes flash door shutters) and (Resin treated compressed Wood Laminates) The mecting was chaired by Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and attended by representatives of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Industry Associations and Industry Members.

2. The salient features of the discussion are as under:

a) The Chair welcomed all the participants and highlighted the importance of the QCOs to restrict circulation of sub-standard products in India and ensure safety of the consumers in the country. The meeting was conducted to discuss and address concems pertaining to the effective implementation of Wood Based Products, Plywood and Wooden flush door shutters and Resin Treated Compressed Wood Laminates (Quality Control) Order, 2024 which shall be implemented from 11th February. 2025, 28th February, 2025 and 14th January, 2025, respectively, details of the QCDs have been provided in Annexure 1.

b) Representative of the BIS informed the following regarding revision of standards:

i. Wood Based Products IS 1659-2004, 15 12823 2015, 15 3087-2005 and IS 3097-2006 are under revision in consultation with Industry Association/industry members.

ii. Plywood and Wooden flush door shutters QCO, 2024 O IS 303.989. 15 710:2010 and IS 4990: 2011 have been revised and published. O IS 2202 (Part 1):2023, IS 1328:1996, IS 2191 (Part 1):2022, IS 2191 (Part 2)-2022 and IS 2202 (Part 2): 2022 is under revision, which have been circulated for wide publication and secking feedback. O IS 1328:1996 is being revised in accordance with the needs of the industry and shall subsequently include two parts.

iii. Resin Treated Compressed Wood Laminates QCO, 2024 O IS 3513 (Part 1):1989, IS 3513(Part 2):1989 and IS 3513 (Part 3):1989 are being considered for revision, however, specific inputs are required from relevant industry members/manufacturers on the required modifications.

c) Representatives of Federation of Indian Plywood & Panel Industry (FIPPI) mentioned issues pertaining to high costs associated with testing, operational procedures for obtaining licenses and marking fees and insufficient number of laboratories. They also mentioned that high number of market samples are being drawn and the testing of samples by laboratories is a time-consuming process. It was highlighted at awareness programmes may be organised in consultation with Industry Sectoral Associations for sensitisation of stakeholders on the implementation of QCOs.

d) Representative of Association of Furniture Manufacturers & Traders (AFMT) informed that there is limited domestic availability of “Prelaminated Plywood and this aspect may be considered for revision of Standards

e) Representative of lastitute of Wood Science and Technology (IWST) emphasised on creating greater awareness among the industry members regarding QCO implementation.

f) Representative of Bihar Plywood Manufacturers Association suggested that charges for testing. calibration, visiting officials and marking fees may be included at the time of license renewal.

3. Representative of BIS responded on the above suggestions as under:

a) Regular stakeholder consultations are being undertaken to create awareness about the QOS among the industry members and a proactive approach is being adopted to address the concerns raised by the industry. Further, the vast network of BIS branch offices in various regions may be leveraged for speedy redressal of on-ground issues in consultations with Industry Associations/IWST.

4. After due deliberations the meeting concluded that

a) BIS were requested to work proactively to ensure the revision of the Standards well in advance in consultation with the relevant stakeholders including Industry members and Industry associations to adhere the effective implementation dates of aforementioned QCOs.

b) Industry Associations and Industry Members were requested to take necessary action for sensitisation of Industry for obtaining BIS licenses for ensuring effective implementation of aforementioned QCOs as per the defined timelines.

c) Industry Associations/Industry members and IWST were advised to leverage on the awareness programmes being conducted by BIS regarding the implementation of QCOs at pan-India level, especially in clusters with greater presence of manufacturers.

5. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks

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