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The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has released a significant Draft Quality Control Order (QCO) that affects all manufacturers, importers, and sellers of writing and printing papers, coated paper, and paperboard. The draft titled "Writing and Printing Papers, Coated Paper and Board (Quality Control) Order, 2025" mandates BIS certification under IS 1848 (Part 2):2018 to enforce uniform quality standards for paper products across India.
A BIS Quality Control Order (QCO) is a mandatory directive issued by the Indian government to ensure that specified products meet Indian Standards. This new QCO requires that writing and printing papers, coated paper, and board products must carry the BIS Standard Mark under Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
Without BIS certification, it will be illegal to manufacture, import, sell, or distribute these products in India.
IS 1848 (Part 2):2018 is the Indian Standard that defines specifications for paper types such as:
Airmail
Manifold
Cartridge (Drawing & White)
Duplicating Absorbent
Semi-absorbent Paper
Poster Machine Glazed Types
These are commonly used for office documents, printing, duplicating, artistic use, and official records. Adherence to this standard ensures quality, durability, and performance across the paper industry.
This BIS Certification requirement applies to:
Existing BIS license holders
New applicants
Indian manufacturers
Importers
Sellers and distributors
All stakeholders must ensure that the paper products under the QCO comply with IS 1848 (Part 2):2018 and are certified by BIS.
To comply with the QCO, products must:
Pass quality tests at BIS-approved labs
Undergo factory inspection
Follow conformity assessment guidelines
Carry the BIS Standard Mark before market release
Certification under Scheme-I also involves regular surveillance, annual renewal, and strict compliance with the BIS Act, 2016.
Implementation timelines vary based on the category of the enterprise:
General Manufacturers 6 months
Small Enterprises 9 months
Micro Enterprises 12 months
Missing these deadlines may lead to fines, license cancellation, and product bans.
The QCO applies to paper types under the following Indian Standards:
IS 1848 (Part 1):2018 – Account Book, Bond, Cream Laid, Azure Lead, etc.
IS 1848 (Part 2):2018 – Airmail, Manifold, Cartridge Drawing, Duplicating types, etc.
IS 4658:2019 – Coated Paper & Board (Art and Chrome Paper)
Products manufactured for export only are exempt from BIS certification.
Manufacturers may import up to 5 tons annually for research and development without certification, provided:
Goods aren’t sold commercially
Used goods are scrapped
Detailed records are maintained
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the certification and enforcement authority. Non-compliance may lead to:
Penalties under the BIS Act, 2016
Suspension or cancellation of BIS licenses
Seizure of non-compliant goods
Legal action, including fines and imprisonment
On June 17, 2025, India notified this draft QCO to the WTO Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). Member countries have until August 16, 2025, to submit comments. This step ensures the QCO doesn’t create unjustified barriers to international trade.
To avoid disruption, stakeholders must:
Identify applicable paper standards
Begin the BIS certification process
Conduct pre-compliance testing
Engage with BIS-accredited labs
Complete documentation and audit protocols
Once the QCO is officially notified and the grace period ends, only BIS-certified products can be manufactured, imported, or sold. Failure to comply will be a legal offense.
The upcoming BIS Certification for Writing and Printing Papers, Coated Paper & Board under IS 1848 (Part 2):2018 aims to uplift quality, reliability, and trust in India's paper industry. The tiered compliance window helps businesses of all sizes adapt. However, early action is critical for a smooth transition and to avoid penalties.
For more information you can contact us at cs@absoluteveritas.com