India expands quality standards for 150+ products

The government has extended Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to over 150 products across various sectors, reinforcing safety and performance standards. Overseen by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the move aims to curb substandard imports, enhance domestic manufacturing, and ensure higher product quality for consumers.

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The government has expanded Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to cover over 150 products, reinforcing safety and performance standards across multiple sectors. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has listed these products in advance to enhance awareness and ensure smooth implementation. The new mandates apply to household appliances, industrial materials, and petrochemical products, with varied enforcement dates for different sectors.

BIS will oversee compliance, affecting diverse products such as vacuum cleaners, stainless steel utensils, and massage appliances. Electrical appliances operating on 250V single-phase or 415V three-phase power must comply by March 20. The furniture industry must meet standards for block boards, plywood, and wooden flush doors, while the steel sector faces regulations for hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel strips. Household items, including electric water heaters and solar heating systems, also fall under QCO mandates.

A senior official emphasized that QCOs aim to curb the import of substandard goods and ensure consumers access high-quality products. The number of regulated products has risen significantly, from 106 in 2014 to over 732 by October 2024, reflecting India’s push for higher manufacturing standards and reduced reliance on low-quality imports.

Additionally, the chemical and petrochemical sector will adhere to new standards for fatty acids derived from palm, rice bran, and coconut sources. These measures align with India’s broader strategy to boost domestic manufacturing, enhance product reliability, and support economic growth.