Quality Control Orders have grown from covering about 100 products in 2014 to over 650 today, extending beyond consumer goods to industrial inputs and machinery
The new order allows trusted manufacturers to use a risk-based approval route instead of mandatory BIS certification, easing supply bottlenecks without changing the regime
Slow and costly BIS approvals delay imports of essential inputs. MSMEs are hit hardest as they lack the resources to manage prolonged compliance hurdles
QCOs have reduced imports of covered products, but exports haven't improved. Costlier inputs make Indian manufacturers less competitive globally
A government panel recommended reviewing over 200 QCOs. Instead, the latest policy relies on selective exemptions, adding another layer of approvals
QCOs should focus on products affecting health and safety. Industrial inputs need transparent, risk-based standards backed by strong market surveillance