The Government of India has introduced the Laboratory Glassware (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024, bringing important relief measures for eligible Micro and Small Enterprises (MSMEs) and manufacturers engaged in research and development activities. The amendment, issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), modifies the existing Laboratory Glassware (Quality Control) Order, 2023, while continuing the Government’s objective of ensuring product quality and consumer safety through mandatory BIS certification.
If you manufacture, import, or supply laboratory glassware in India, understanding this amendment is essential to ensure compliance and take advantage of the exemptions where applicable.
At Kar Parivartan, we provide end-to-end BIS certification and regulatory compliance services to help businesses meet statutory requirements efficiently.
What is the Laboratory Glassware (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024?
The Laboratory Glassware (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024 was notified by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry on 10 December 2024 and came into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. It introduces two significant exemptions to the Laboratory Glassware (Quality Control) Order, 2023:
- A temporary exemption for certain eligible MSMEs registered on the Udyam Portal.
- An exemption for limited imports of laboratory glassware for research and development (R&D) purposes.
Implementation Date
- Notification Issued: 10 December 2024
- Effective Date: 10 December 2024
- MSME Exemption Period: Two years from the commencement of the amendment order.
Key Amendments Introduced
1. Exemption for Research & Development Imports
Manufacturers of laboratory glassware are permitted to import up to 200 units per year exclusively for research and development purposes without the QCO applying, subject to the following conditions:
- The imported products must not be sold commercially.
- They may only be disposed of as scrap after use.
- Manufacturers must maintain year-wise records and furnish them to the Central Government when required.
Latest Update: Amendment to Laboratory Glassware QCO (February 2026)
The Government of India has further amended the Laboratory Glassware (Quality Control) Order, 2023 through the Amendments in Quality Control Orders, 2026 notified on 12 February 2026.
This amendment significantly revises the MSME exemption criteria applicable to Laboratory Glassware manufacturers.
Under the revised provisions, the Quality Control Order does not apply to goods or articles manufactured by an enterprise that satisfies all of the following conditions:
- The enterprise is registered on the Udyam Portal of the Ministry of MSME.
- Investment in plant and machinery or equipment (at original cost) does not exceed ₹1 crore.
- Turnover during the previous financial year does not exceed ₹5 crore, certified by a Chartered Accountant.
Remarks on the 2026 Amendment
The February 2026 amendment provides substantial relief to eligible Micro and Small Enterprises by increasing the financial eligibility thresholds.
Comparison of MSME Exemption
| Particular | Amendment Order (Dec 2024) | Amendment Order (Feb 2026) |
| Investment Limit | Up to ₹25 lakh | Up to ₹1 crore |
| Turnover Limit | Up to ₹2 crore | Up to ₹5 crore |
| Udyam Registration | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| CA Certificate | Required | Required |
Important Observation
Although eligible MSMEs are exempt from the applicability of the Quality Control Order, this exemption does not permanently waive BIS certification requirements. As businesses grow beyond the prescribed investment or turnover limits, or if the exemption is modified or withdrawn by the Government, compliance with the applicable BIS Quality Control Order will become mandatory.
Therefore, manufacturers should proactively prepare their quality management systems, testing infrastructure, and documentation to ensure a smooth transition to BIS certification when required.
Who Needs BIS Certification?
BIS product certification remains mandatory for the following categories:
- Domestic manufacturers (unless covered by the MSME exemption)
- Foreign manufacturers exporting laboratory glassware to India
- Importers dealing in products covered under the QCO
- Brand owners sourcing regulated laboratory glassware
Who Can Avail the Exemption?
The MSME exemption is available only if all of the following criteria are met:
- Udyam Registration is valid.
- Investment in plant and machinery/equipment is up to ₹25 lakh.
- Previous financial year’s turnover does not exceed ₹2 crore.
- The products are manufactured domestically.
- The exemption is available only during the specified two-year period.
Benefits of BIS Certification
Even if temporarily exempt, obtaining BIS certification offers long-term advantages:
- Legal compliance with Quality Control Orders
- Improved product quality and consistency
- Enhanced customer confidence
- Easier participation in government and institutional tenders
- Increased acceptance in domestic and international markets
- Reduced risk of regulatory action
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Businesses that fail to comply with the applicable QCO after the exemption period or without qualifying for exemption may face:
- Prohibition on manufacturing, importing, or selling regulated products
- Product seizure
- Penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016
- Damage to business reputation
- Loss of market access
How Kar Parivartan Can Help
Kar Parivartan provides complete BIS compliance solutions, including:
- Product applicability assessment
- Identification of applicable Indian Standards
- Documentation support
- Coordination with BIS-recognized laboratories
- Factory inspection assistance
- Application filing and follow-up
- Compliance advisory for Indian and foreign manufacturers
- Ongoing regulatory updates
Our experienced consultants simplify the certification process and help businesses achieve compliance with minimal delays.
Partner with Kar Parivartan for Hassle-Free BIS Compliance
Whether you are an Indian manufacturer, foreign manufacturer, importer, or brand owner, Kar Parivartan provides expert guidance for BIS Certification, QCO Compliance, CRS Registration, LMPC, WPC, and EPR approvals. Our dedicated compliance specialists ensure timely certification, regulatory support, and end-to-end project management.
FAQs
Has the MSME exemption for Laboratory Glassware changed?
Yes. The Government revised the MSME exemption through the Amendments in Quality Control Orders, 2026. Eligible enterprises registered on the Udyam Portal can now claim exemption if their investment in plant and machinery does not exceed ₹1 crore and their previous financial year’s turnover does not exceed ₹5 crore, subject to certification by a Chartered Accountant.
Which MSME exemption criteria are currently applicable?
The latest notification dated 12 February 2026 is the prevailing amendment. It replaces the earlier lower thresholds introduced in the 2024 amendment and expands eligibility to enterprises with investment up to ₹1 crore and turnover up to ₹5 crore.
Who can claim the MSME exemption?
Only enterprises registered on the Udyam Portal with investment up to ₹25 lakh and turnover up to ₹2 crore (certified by a Chartered Accountant) can claim the exemption.
How long is the MSME exemption available?
The exemption is available for two years from the commencement of the amendment order.
Are foreign manufacturers covered under this exemption?
No. The MSME exemption applies only to eligible domestic manufacturers registered on the Udyam Portal.
Can laboratory glassware be imported for research purposes without BIS certification?
Yes. Manufacturers may import up to 200 units per year exclusively for research and development purposes, provided the products are not sold commercially and proper records are maintained.
Is BIS certification mandatory after the exemption period ends?
Yes. Once the exemption period expires, eligible manufacturers must comply with the applicable Quality Control Order unless the Government issues a further notification.
Are records required for R&D imports?
Yes. Manufacturers must maintain year-wise records of imported laboratory glassware used for R&D and furnish them to the Central Government when required.
Are in-house testing facilities required for BIS certification?
Depending on the applicable Indian Standard and certification scheme, manufacturers are generally expected to maintain the required in-house testing facilities for routine quality control. Certain specialized tests may be conducted through BIS-recognized laboratories where permitted.
Can BIS certification be transferred if ownership changes?
Yes. BIS certification may be transferable in certain cases depending on the nature of the change in ownership or constitution of the manufacturing unit. The manufacturer must inform BIS promptly and complete the applicable formalities. Based on the circumstances, BIS may approve the transfer, amend the existing licence, or require a fresh application.
