REGULATORY COMPLIANCE BULLETIN (Newsletter - June 2024)

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE BULLETIN (Newsletter – June 2024)


 

Bureau of Energy Efficiency

 

QR Code Implementation for Refrigerators Under BEE’s Standards and Labelling Program

Following the one issued on September 12, 2023, a new notification announces the resumption of QR code functionality for Frost-Free and Direct Cool Refrigerators effective June 18, 2024. From this date, all manufacturers and importers must affix QR codes beneath the star labels on all refrigerators.

You can access the official notifications here.

 

BEE Proposes Changes to Distribution Transformer Star Labeling Program

The current star labelling program for Distribution Transformers will end on December 31, 2024. Following recommendations from the April 2, 2024, Technical Committee Meeting, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) proposes the following changes:

  • Extension of 1-star rating: Maintain the current 1-star rating for specific transformer categories from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027.

  • Star rating upgrade: Increase the star rating by 2 stars for certain transformer types from January 1, 2028, to December 31, 2030. Other types will receive a 1-star upgrade during the same period.

A draft amendment outlining these changes is open for public comment until June 20, 2024.

You can access the official notification here.


 

Bureau of Indian Standards- CRS

 

Market surveillance of MEITY under Compulsory Registration Order

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has handed over market surveillance duties to the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI). This move aims to ensure the effective market surveillance of products under the Compulsory Registration Order 2021.

Market Surveillance Procedure:

  1. STPI will collect the samples from the market for surveillance and send them directly to the Designated Test Lab (DTL), i.e., the BIS-recognized lab assigned by MeitY for testing against the registration number under surveillance.

  2. STPI will send informatory emails to the manufacturers (registered email ID) directly regarding the surveillance, which include registration number details, payment information, testing lab details, and STPI portal details.

  3. STPI will collect payment from the concerned manufacturer or authorized Indian representative (AIR) for surveillance (sample cost, testing charges, and handling and transportation charges). The manufacturer, or AIR, must complete the payment process within 15 working days of the demand date.

  4. The manufacturer will have to share the technical details with the testing lab according to the lab requirements within 10 working days.

  5. Once the lab has received all the required details from the manufacturer or AIR, they can test the samples as per the received technical details and submit the test report to Meity; otherwise, the lab shall release the test report and upload the same after completing the possible testing (without the technical documents or details) and close the assignment at the portal.

  6. MeitY will forward testing results to BIS for further necessary action under the BIS Act and Rules.

If the manufacturer or AIR did not support surveillance, it would be considered a violation of the order, and the case would be forwarded to BIS for necessary action without further notice. It may result in the cancellation of the BIS registration.

 

Boost Solar PV Efficiency: New Critical Component Update Feature!

The new Critical Component List update feature for Solar PV Modules is now active. Manufacturers can now submit test reports for component changes without altering the model number. Licensees should verify model numbers on the portal and notify BIS of any discrepancies immediately. Submitted requests will be reviewed, with notifications sent within five working days if documentation is satisfactory.

A one-time relaxation allows acceptance of test reports over 90 days old, provided they were generated on or after February 15, 2024.


 

Bureau of Indian Standards- ISI

 

DPIIT Mandates ISI Mark for Precision Roller and Bush Chains

On June 3, 2024, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) issued a Quality Control Order (QCO) requiring Precision Roller and Bush Chains to bear an ISI Mark. This directive takes effect on October 1, 2024.

Compliance deadlines:

  • Small Enterprises: January 1, 2025

  • Micro Enterprises: April 1, 2025

This regulation aims to ensure high standards, safeguard consumer well-being, and boost industry competitiveness.

You can access the official notification here.


 

Voice Compliance

 

TRAI’s New Directive to Curb Spam and Fraudulent Calls

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has made another key decision to protect consumer rights. Over the past few years, there has been a surge in spam and fraudulent calls. To combat this issue, TRAI issued directives on May 4, 2024, under the TCCCPR regulations 2018, requiring Access Providers to implement a new 160xx numbering series for service and transactional calls. Each service provider must ensure the deployment of this series on their respective DLT platforms. They have been given a 90-day period from the issuance date of these directives to implement the changes for all telemarketers and principal entities making service and transactional calls.      Additionally, the Department of Telecommunications (DOT) released a notification on May 28, 2024, regarding the allocation of numbering series. This notification specifies the numbering patterns for different entities: the government and regulators will use the 1600xxxxxx series, while financial entities regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) will use the 1601xxxxxx series.

With the appointment of a new Minister of Communications, Mr Jyotiraditya Scindia, the pressing issue of spam calls/messages is expected to see new regulatory stringencies and measures.


 

Waste Management

 

Updated Battery Waste Management Rules

 On June 20, 2024, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) released an amendment to the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022.

Initially, producers of automotive and industrial batteries were required to start using a minimum amount of domestically recycled materials in new batteries from FY 2024-25. The latest notification extends this timeline to FY 2027-28, aligning it with the requirements for portable and EV batteries.


 

PESO

 

Barcode/QR Code Requirement for High-Pressure Gas Cylinders

An order issued on June 5, 2024, mandates that all manufacturers, importers, fillers, and traders of high-pressure gas cylinders must add Barcode/QR Codes to enhance tracking and safety measures. This follows a meeting chaired by Dr Sandhya Bhullar on June 3, 2024, and aims to ensure public safety. Relevant stakeholders have been notified to ensure compliance.

You can access the official notification here

 

Mandatory Barcoding for Ammonium Nitrate (AN) Bags

An order issued on June 5, 2024, mandates the digitalization of Ammonium Nitrate transactions. Manufacturers and importers must now comply with barcoding and tracking regulations. A system for uploading barcode data to prevent pilferage and ensure security will be implemented by NIC Nagpur. This directive aims to enhance national security and public safety.

You can access the official notification here.


 

FSSAI

 

Elimination of “100% Fruit Juice” Claim from Labeling and Advertising

 The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has mandated that fruit juice producers remove the ‘100% fruit juice’ claim from their labels and advertisements. After review, FSSAI found that the 2018 regulations do not support this claim, deeming it false and misleading when products contain water and fruit concentrates or pulp instead of pure fruit juice.

Additionally, FSSAI has outlined several other compliance points-

  • Packaging: Use all pre-printed packaging with the “100% fruit juice” claim by 1 September 2024.

  • Reconstituted Juice: For reconstituted juices (combines one part juice concentrate to three parts water), the term “reconstituted” must be included in the ingredient list.

  • Sweetened Juice: Label as “sweetened juice” if added sweeteners exceed 15 gm/kg.

You can access the official notification here.


 

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