India mandates BIS for stainless steel, aluminium utensils
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The Government of India has taken a significant step to improve kitchen safety, quality, and efficiency by mandating compliance with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for stainless steel and aluminium utensils. As per the Quality Control Order issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, on 14 March 2024, it is now compulsory for such utensils to bear the ISI mark, with non-compliance carrying penalties. This underscores the government's commitment to ensuring consumer safety and maintaining product integrity.
Recently, the BIS has introduced a series of standards covering essential kitchenware. These standards underscore BIS' dedication to ensuring that all kitchen utensils meet rigorous criteria and adhere to high-quality and safety standards. Through these standards, the BIS aims to preserve the cultural diversity of culinary practices while promoting superior product performance and consumer safety.
Stainless steel utensils
Stainless steel utensils have long been popular in kitchens globally due to their durability, versatility, and sleek appearance. Made from an alloy of steel with chromium and other metals like nickel, molybdenum, and manganese, stainless steel is known for its enhanced resistance to corrosion and strong mechanical properties. These attributes have been standardised by the BIS in the Indian Standard IS 14756:2022, which specifies requirements for various types of utensils used in cooking, serving, dining, and storage.
The IS 14756:2022 standard includes:
Material requirements: Ensuring the materials used in manufacturing are safe and comply with specified compositions.
Shapes, dimensions: Providing guidelines for consistent and practical designs of utensils.
Workmanship, finish: Requiring top-notch craftsmanship to ensure both quality and aesthetic appeal of the utensils.
Performance parameters: This involves various tests such as: like the staining test, mechanical shock test, thermal shock test, dry heat test, coating thickness test, nominal capacity test, flame stability test, and specific tests for utensils with tempered glass lids.
Aluminium utensils
Aluminium utensils are essential in both household and professional kitchens, known for their lightweight construction, superior heat conductivity, affordability, and durability. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced the Indian Standard IS 1660:2024 to specify the requirements for wrought and cast aluminium utensils. This standard covers utensils with capacities up to 30 litres, including those with hard anodised surfaces and non-stick coatings without reinforced plastic.
IS 1660:2024 ensures that aluminium utensils adhere to stringent criteria for material quality and performance standards, aiming to uphold their functionality and durability in various culinary applications.
Key components of IS 1660:2024 standard comprise:
General requirements: Encompassing standards for the overall quality and thickness of materials employed in manufacturing aluminium utensils.
Classification, material grades: Ensuring compliance with designated grades, specifically IS 21 for wrought utensils and IS 617 for cast utensils, to maintain consistency and quality.
Fabrication, design: Detailing specifications related to the shapes, dimensions, and craftsmanship required to produce high-quality aluminium utensils.
Performance tests: Including specialised tests tailored for aluminium utensils, such as those for durability and safety, particularly focusing on aspects relevant to items like aluminium lunch boxes.
Similar to stainless steel utensils, aluminium utensils are also required to undergo mandatory certification under the Quality Control Order effective from 14 March, 2024. This regulation ensures that no individual or entity can manufacture, import, sell, distribute, store, hire, lease, or display for sale any aluminium utensils that do not meet the BIS standards and lack the BIS Standard Mark. Violations of this mandate are subject to legal penalties, underscoring the importance of adherence in safeguarding public health and maintaining trust in kitchenware products.
By adhering to stringent standards for both stainless steel and aluminium utensils, the BIS takes a significant stride towards ensuring that kitchenware used in households and professional environments across India meets rigorous safety and quality benchmarks. Through rigorous testing and certification processes, the BIS protects consumers from inferior products and ensures that utensils are not only safe but also durable.
These measures bolster consumer confidence and incentivise manufacturers to uphold best practices in production, leading to overall advancements in the industry. The BIS Standard Mark serves as a dependable indicator of quality, empowering consumers to make informed decisions and fostering a culture of excellence and safety in the realm of kitchenware.
