BS EDIT: Course Correction on QCOs

By Business StandardPublished On Nov 17, 2025

QCOs Overused

Hundreds of QCOs were issued without consultation, disrupting supply chains, raising costs, and undermining ease of doing business

Panel Pushes Back

A high-level committee has advised scrapping or delaying QCOs for 200 products, prompting ministries to withdraw several orders

A Needed Reversal

Rolling back more QCOs is vital. Quick reassessment shows agility and responsiveness to industry concerns

Risk of Capture

QCOs invite protectionism and rent-seeking. Larger firms can shape rules to disadvantage smaller players and distort competition

Arbitrary Standards

Unclear classifications and shifting rules created uncertainty, with imports flagged for “quality” norms that didn’t exist when shipped

Harm to Trade and Consumers

QCOs on inputs hurt exports; those on final goods limited consumer choice. Rollback is welcome, but restraint must guide future use