India is going through rapid changes and development. Consumers are looking for quality products and ISI Standards. Important products such as Particle board, MDF, Plywood, and many other items are being imported from China, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Europe. At present, there is no ISI mark on them, but later, it will be mandatory for them to adhere to quality standards. The implementation of upcoming BIS norms is in the process, and the products are likely to face obstacles in their arrival from overseas markets in the coming months. Will the Indian producers get direct benefit from it?
Reporting very early in the month of July 2023, PLY REPORTER had cited that the implementation of the BIS QCO and mandatory ISI mark issue would be a matter of discussion. Now, for the past one and a half months, extensive discussion across various sectors involving associations, manufacturers and importers is being witnessed. Companies have started applying for ISI mark.
According to the BIS, as of now, the new norms will come into action February 2024 onwards. The industry comprises nearly 3800 factories in total. Among them, around 800 to 900 units have obtained an ISI mark with BIS certification however rest are yet to obtain it. Hence a pertinent question arises; what will happen to the large number of domestic players who do not have an ISI mark for their products? Will they be able to sell their products?
Meanwhile BIS officials are visiting various clusters actively educating organizations and assisting them in obtaining ISI marks. This is an important step since, with the ISI mark and readiness for the new norms, reputable organizations will find it easier to perform operations and secure sales. Unlike domestic firms, foreign companies will typically require at least 6 months for the certification. Hence, experts anticipate a potential shortage of imported products in the market, and it remains to be seen whether the certification period for international players will change, decrease, or if alternative arrangements for imports will be implemented.
Approximately 1500 containers of panel products and decorative materials come to India from different countries. So an uptick is indicated in the demand for domestic products, if the domestic players are ready there’s a big opportunity for them to seize.