Government revokes 14 quality control orders, textile units to benefit
The government has withdrawn quality control orders (QCOs) for fourteen petrochemical products, which are used as inputs in various sectors, from textiles to high-performance plastics. The revocation of QCOs will provide relief to user industries, providing them with access to wider sources of these products. QCOs, which apply equally to domestic manufacturing and imports, would have limited the number of suppliers of these products. Under QCOs, suppliers of products covered by the order must certify their manufacturing facilities and production before selling in India. This involves both cost and time. Many foreign suppliers are excluded from this process, limiting the number of suppliers for Indian industry. The number of QCOs has increased from fewer than 70 in 2016 to approximately 790 by 2025, with most introduced in the last five years. The products covered under the recently issued Quality Control Orders (QCO) withdrawal order include 100% polyester spun grey and white yarn, polyester industrial yarn, polyester staple fiber, polyvinyl chloride homopolymer, terephthalic acid, polyurethane, and polycarbonate.
"The revocation of Quality Control Orders (QCOs) on polyester fiber and yarn is a major relief, as it has been a long-awaited demand from all user industries. Polyester fiber and polyester yarn constitute the majority of man-made fiber (MMF) products, and therefore, this step taken by the authorities will contribute to the growth of the MMF segment in India," said Ashwin Chandran, President of the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry. The removal of QCOs will also improve the cost competitiveness of Indian textile and apparel products by making it easier to source raw materials at internationally competitive prices. He further added that, along with the export package announced on November 12th, the revocation of these QCOs will be a major confidence booster for the textile and apparel sector.
India's QCOs were designed to enhance product quality and protect consumers, but their implementation has sparked debate as businesses grapple with compliance costs, import delays, and supply shortages.
Following industry complaints about the heavy compliance burden, a high-level panel chaired by NITI Aayog member Rajiv Gauba was formed to review the system. According to reports, the panel has suggested canceling or suspending more than 200 QCOs. It has also recommended radical changes to the QCO system.
The committee found that the rapid expansion of QCOs in India—though intended to improve quality—has led to supply shortages, high input costs, and long delays in certification, especially for MSMEs. Many QCOs cover raw materials that pose no direct safety or environmental risks, making such regulation unnecessary. The committee noted that most countries use voluntary or buyer-based standards, while excessive regulation in India has distorted manufacturing and trade efficiency.
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