Govt to bring in 14 QCOs amid FTA push

The Union government is planning to introduce 14 quality control orders (QCOS) covering 129 new products by the end of the year, two people aware of the matter said, in a move aimed at making India-made products more competitive globally.

- Dhirendra Kumar

The move comes as India negotiates free trade agreements (FTAs) with several countries.

These deals will ultimately lower import duties on manufactured items, which requires India to be on guard against imports of substandard goods into the country.

BIS standards apply to products manufactured in India that are meant for domestic supply, and imports, whereas products for exports adhere to global standards.

The notified QCOs are not applicable to goods meant for export. But this clause may be reviewed in the future, the people cited above said.

They said some countries already accept BIS-certified products and that with manufacturing standards keeping to QCO orders, more countries may start recognizing BIS-certified goods.