Industry body seeks QCO framework review amid compliance cost concerns

The Global Trade and Regulation Institute has formally requested a reassessment of the government's Quality Control Order framework, warning that current implementation could impose substantial financial and operational burdens on domestic and international traders. The industry organisation raised concerns about the scope and stringency of existing QCO provisions affecting product categories across multiple sectors. Under the current QCO regime, manufacturers and importers must ensure all covered products meet prescribed Indian Standards and carry the Bureau of Indian Standards mark before entering the domestic market or being offered for sale. This mandatory certification requirement applies uniformly across affected product categories. The institute argues that the compliance architecture, while intended to safeguard consumer interests and ensure product quality, risks creating unnecessary barriers that could inflate production costs and complicate supply chains. The organisation has suggested that a review process could help balance quality assurance objectives with the operational realities facing manufacturers and traders. Government officials have not yet responded to the formal request for framework reassessment. The debate reflects broader tensions between strengthening domestic quality standards and maintaining competitive market conditions in India's manufacturing and trade sectors.