Government Scraps 14 Quality Norms to Boost Manufacturing
In a significant regulatory reform, the Centre has withdrawn 14 Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Quality Control Orders, providing immediate relief to chemical, plastics, and textile sectors. The decision eliminates mandatory certification requirements effective immediately.
Key Takeaways
- 14 BIS Quality Control Orders scrapped immediately
- Major relief for chemical, plastics, and textile industries
- Aims to reduce input costs and ease import constraints
- Expected to boost MSME competitiveness
Affected Materials and Products
The withdrawn QCOs covered essential polymer and fibre intermediates including:
- Terephthalic Acid (PTA) and Ethylene Glycol (EG)
- Polyester Yarns and Fibres
- Major industrial plastics: Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), and Polycarbonate (PC)
Expected Benefits
The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers stated the move will ensure uninterrupted raw material availability and reduce input costs for downstream industries. By removing mandatory BIS certification, the government has:
- Simplified compliance procedures
- Reduced overlapping testing requirements
- Sped up approval processes for manufacturers and importers
Industry officials anticipate improved operational efficiency and better production planning. The withdrawal is particularly beneficial for MSMEs in textiles, packaging, and moulded plastic goods, enhancing their global competitiveness.
The regulatory change addresses long-standing industry demands for greater sourcing flexibility without the time and cost burdens of mandatory domestic certification.
