According to DPIIT Joint Secretary Sanjiv, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade will shortly publish required quality control and safety standard criteria for a variety of home electrical appliances.

The DPIIT Joint Secretary was quoted by news agency PTI as stating that the action intends to limit import of substandard items from nations like China and also to stimulate domestic production for export of home appliances under the Make in India concept.

The Joint Secretary stated that after discussing with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the DPIIT floated the suggested draft control rules for the household electrical appliances. The draft norms are now available for public feedback.

"Public is welcome to give their suggestions on this," Sanjiv added.

The draft order states that the standards would be applicable to any electrical appliances with rated voltages no greater than 250V single-phase ac or 415V three-phase ac that are intended for residential, commercial, or similar purposes.

One quality control order for the safety of home, business, and similar electrical appliances will cover up to 85 criteria. Once the order has been implemented, these products cannot be manufactured, sold or traded, imported, or stocked without the BIS mark.

The Joint Secretary claimed that the action will aid in resolving issues with these items' safety. He continued by saying that the department is making a lot of effort to support domestic production of high-quality goods.

These goods include vacuum cleaners, hair-shaving electric shavers, massage devices, steam cookers, heating tools, coffee makers, and food processors. China is the major source of imports.

A stakeholder consultation meeting was also convened by the DPIIT Joint Secretary to talk about the draft order, which is available for public comment. At the meeting, more than 50 representatives of the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), business organizations, government agencies, and the private sector took part.

The sector applauded the decision and called for the establishment of suitable testing facilities for these goods.