Archive · 21 Sep 2025
Centre to Simplify Quality Control Order Framework
The Indian government is changing how it checks the quality of products made and sold in the country.
They are making it easier for small businesses to meet quality standards, so they can compete.
These standards, called Quality Control Orders (QCOs), make sure products meet certain rules.
This helps improve the quality of things we buy, like toys and electronics.
Some businesses and other countries have concerns about the QCOs, saying they're too hard to follow.
The government is listening to these concerns and trying to make the rules simpler.
This is to boost local businesses, ensure good quality products, and make trade fairer.
A committee is simplifying the Quality Control Order (QCO) framework to help Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
QCOs, mandated by the BIS Act, specify standards for product manufacturing, import, and sale.
The government aims to improve product quality and protect domestic markets through QCOs.
MSMEs and countries like the US have raised concerns regarding the complexity of QCOs.
The government is engaging with MSMEs to address their concerns and streamline the certification process.
- Who
- Indian government and BIS
- What
- Simplifying the Quality Control Order (QCO) framework
- When
- Recent developments
- Where
- India
- Why
- To address MSME challenges, improve product quality, and protect domestic markets
Critics
Supporters
Impact on MSMEs and Trade
Critics
MSMEs and some foreign countries believe QCOs are burdensome, hindering trade and competition.
Supporters
Some MSMEs benefit from QCOs, as they help improve product quality, and boost exports.
- QCO Purpose
- Ensure product quality and protect domestic markets
- Number of QCOs Notified
- 187 covering 770 products
- QCO Implementation Time
- Usually 6 months or more
- BIS Standards
- Approximately 23,000, most voluntary
- Domestic Compressor Production Increase
- From less than 2 million in 2021-22 to 8 million in 2023-24