The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), has taken a significant step in ensuring product quality and consumer safety with the issuance of the Flashlight (Quality Control) Order, 2025. This order, published on January 21, 2025, is set to enhance the manufacturing standards for flashlights in India by making compliance with Indian Standard IS 2083:2024 mandatory. 

Key Highlights of the Order

1. Implementation Timeline

The order comes into effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette. However, the timeline for mandatory compliance varies depending on the size of the enterprise:

• Large & Medium Enterprises: Must comply within 6 months.
• Small Enterprises: Must comply within 9 months.
• Micro Enterprises: Must comply within 12 months. 

2. Mandatory Standard Mark Certification

All flashlights sold in India must conform to Indian Standard IS 2083:2024 and bear the Standard Mark issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This ensures that all products meet strict quality and safety benchmarks, reducing substandard goods in the market. 

3. Exemptions from the Order

While the order aims to regulate quality control comprehensively, it provides certain exemptions:

• Exports: Domestically manufactured flashlights meant for export are not subject to this order.
• Research & Development (R&D): Manufacturers can import up to 50 units per year for R&D purposes. However, these items must not be sold commercially and should be disposed of as scrap. A year-wise record of such imports must be maintained and presented to the Central Government if required. 

4. Certification and Enforcement Authority

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has been designated as the certification and enforcement authority responsible for ensuring compliance with the order. 

5. Penalty for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with the Flashlight (Quality Control) Order, 2025 will lead to penalties under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This reinforces the government's commitment to maintaining high-quality manufacturing standards. 

The Flashlight (Quality Control) Order, 2025 is a welcome move toward standardizing product quality and ensuring consumer safety. Manufacturers should take note of the implementation timelines and align their production processes accordingly to avoid penalties and contribute to a more robust industry standard.

Implementation Dates: 

     Medium and Large Enterprises: July 21, 2025

Small Enterprises: October 21, 2025