DPIIT issues quality control order for retro reflective devices for bicycles

New Delhi, May 26 (KNN) With a view to contain production of sub-standard products in the country, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has issued a quality control order for bicycles' retro reflective devices.

According to a DPIIT notification dated May 25th, 2021, the retro reflective devices would have to conform to the specified standards and bear the standard mark under a licence from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

The items cannot be produced, sold/traded, imported and stocked unless they bear a BIS mark.

Retro reflective material is made using tiny glass beads which reflect light directly back toward its source, from a much wider angle than reflective material. Traffic signs and pavement markings are retro reflective. The enhanced visibility helps in ensuring safety of cyclists.

As per the notification, the order will come into force with effect from January 1, 2022 and BIS "shall be the certifying and enforcing authority" for the goods.

However, it added that the order -- Bicycles- Retro Reflective Devices (Quality Control) Order, 2021 -- shall not apply to goods or articles meant for export purposes.