The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, has issued an order called the Electric Fence Energizers (Quality Control) Order, 2024. Under this order, it shall be obligatory to conform to strict quality controls for electric fence energizers, thereby promoting consumer safety and reliability in the product.

Introduction of Order

The order, numbered S.O. 4958 (E), is enacted under the powers conferred by Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. After having consulted the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the Central Government has deemed it necessary and expedient to make this order in the public interest. The order shall, however, come into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

Compulsory Use of Standard Mark

All electric fence energizers referred to shall comply with the Indian Standard (IS 302-2-76:1999). They shall, in addition, carry the Standard Mark, which shall be a confirmation of conformity under a license issued by the BIS based on Scheme-1 of Schedule II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

The following is the schedule for enforcement:

• General Enterprises: 6 months from the date of issue for General Enterprises.
• Small Enterprises: 9 months after the date of publication.
• Micro Enterprises: 12 months after the date of publication.

This staggered approach ensures that businesses of all sizes have sufficient time to implement the new standards.

Enforcement and Certification Authority

It designates the Bureau of Indian Standards as the certification and enforcement authority for this order. These authorities will ensure that every electrical energizer of fencing meets the prescribed standards to safeguard consumer interests and maintain high levels of safety benchmarks.

Exceptions and Penalties

Specifically, the order exempts domestically manufactured goods, meant for export, from this requirement. However, contravention of the provisions of this order would attract penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. Such a strict measure reflects the resilience of the government to ensure product safety standards and prevent the sale of shoddy products.

Final Thought

The Electric Fence Energizers (Quality Control) Order, 2024, marks an important step forward in the safety and quality of electrical equipment. As this order would make the use of the Standard Mark compulsory, all-electric fence energizers available in the market would meet advanced safety standards. Such measures not only safeguard consumers but also usher in industry-wide adherence to quality norms, which contributes to a safer and more reliable market environment.