To address concerns with respect to implementation of BIS QCO, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) (Consumer Industry Section) under Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India called up a consultation review meeting (through video conference) with the industry stakeholders on 3rd November, 2023.
The meeting was chaired by Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). It was attended by representatives of various Ministries/Organizations, Industry Associations and Industries. Industries and associations are advised to formally submit their concerns, with proper justification, to BIS with a copy to DPIIT regarding revision of the standards.
The industry representatives, Associations and FIPPI raised their concerns to revise the standards for wood products and requested for extension for implementation of QCOs till revisions are completed by BIS technical committee. In terms of the introduction of the Utility grade/label they highlighted that globally, wood panel manufacturing involves a 'UTILITY' grade, allowing noncompliant products to be downgraded but still usable for various applications.
Many BIS standards established with consideration for wood from mature forests; today's industry relies on wood from agro forestry plantations with different characteristics. Wood sourced from plantations is younger, variable in quality, and lower in properties compared to the matured wood considered in existing standards. There is a fear of wastage (20-30% for plywood; 10-12% for MDF and Particle Board) due to adherence to BIS standards, impacting industrial applications.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Industries and industry associations emphasize the need for BIS to revise standards for the specified QCO products and also requested for the extension of QCO's implement date.
- Industries and associations are advised to formally submit their concerns, with proper justification, to BIS with a copy to DPIIT regarding revision of the standards.
- DPIIT requested industries and associations to take necessary actions for the effective implementation of the QCOs.
- However, the possibility of reviewing the extension for the implementation of above QCOs may be considered, if deemed fit as per written request from the industries/associations with proper justification.
Dr. M. P. Singh, Director, Institute of Wood Science and Technology (IWST) Technology (IWST) welcomed the efforts of Government for facilitating the stakeholders' meetings for capturing the problems associated with QCO implementation, request for more such facilitation opportunity for understanding the industries concern along with Government Initiative. Few Industries raised the concern about the Inventory stock items, especially for those already manufactured or in transit before implementation of QCO, will be allowed to import.
THE INDUSTRY CONCERNS
The representatives from Balaji Action Buildwell endorse the proposed QCO and also raised concern on absence of domestic board manufacturers for domestic veneered particle. They also stated that approximately 10% of MDF and particle boards are substandard and don't meet BIS criteria, so requested for introduction of an additional category for these goods of varying quality, suitable for domestic sales, especially for purposes like packaging.
The representative of Aryamman Group Aryamman Group sought clarification for imports of product prelaminated plywood, which may not come under the purview of BIS, are used by domestic furniture industry in producing final products. Mr. J K Bihani, President, HPMA Mr. J K Bihani, President, HPMA requested for an intervention of BIS to redress the issue of wastage in respect to Blockboards and flush doors, which does not fit the BIS Standards.
The Representative of Indiana Plywood Industries sought clarification on the examination of products by BIS imported from countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, and China. Additionally, they raised concerns about the high stamping and marking fees charged by BIS. Mr. Anmol from the wood industry from the wood industry expressed concern about the extended waiting period for foreign manufacturers to obtain the BIS license for the new QCO.
RECOMENDATIONS
- Associations and FIPPI Associations and FIPPI raised their concerns to revise the standards for wood products and requested for extension for implementation of QCOs till revisions are completed.
- Balaji Action Buildwell Balaji Action Buildwell stated that approximately 10% of MDF and particle boards are substandard and requested for introduction of an additional category for varying quality.
- Mr. J K Bihani, President, HPMA Mr. J K Bihani, President, HPMA requested for an intervention of BIS to redress the issue of wastage in respect to Blockboards and flush doors.
- Indiana Plywood Industries Indiana Plywood Industries raised concerns about the high stamping and marking fees charged by BIS.
- Mr. Anmol from the Wood Industry Mr. Anmol from the Wood Industry expressed concern about the extended waiting period for foreign manufacturers to obtain the BIS license
THE BIS RESPONSES
No restrictions on product examination based on origin of the country i.e (Vietnam. Malaysia, China). BIS audit allowed for all countries. The suggestion for standards revision will be reviewed by the BIS technical committee. A grace period for goods clearance post QCO implementation may be considered by the competent authority.
