Latest news with #QCOs
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Inter-ministerial group setup to assess Quality Control Orders
New Delhi: The government has setup an Inter Ministerial Group (IMG) to assess the Quality Control Orders (QCO) proposed by various ministries and examine the possibility of graded standards or exempting Indian manufacturers who meet a de minimis standard from the requirement of obtaining BIS licenses or third party certification. Ministries and departments need to obtain the recommendations of the IMG before notifying any QCO. The group comprises senior officials of the ministries of finance, commerce and industry, consumer affairs, and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), among others. The group has been formed amid differences of views on the content and need for QCOs and aims to promote a Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dukung Orang Terkasih Menghadapi Limfoma: Mulai Di Sini Limfoma Baca Undo 'Whole of Government' approach, the Cabinet Secretariat said in an office memorandum. In cases of unfair trade practices, the IMG may assess whether the problem is generic and cross-cutting or country specific. Live Events 'Implementation of such QCOs often has consequences for sectors handled by other ministries. There are also instances of differences of views on the content of/need for QCOs,' the Cabinet Secretariat said. As per the memorandum, any proposal for a QCO would have to be referred to the IMG of to assess and evaluate the proposal, apart from the consultation with BIS. The Terms of Reference of the IMG include evaluation of QCOs and making recommendations, examining requests from ministries and departments for reconsideration, review or modification of existing QCOs. 'In cases of unfair trade practices, it may assess whether the problem is generic and cross-cutting or country specific,' it said., adding that the IMG may use quantitative criteria such as a scoring methodology of restrictiveness, and qualitative criteria based on relative merits/demerits. Besides having special regard for the interests of Indian MSMEs , the IMG may explore or examine the possibility of graded standards, specifying different quality levels for the same product, alternate ways of implementing QCOs such as exempting Indian manufacturers who meet a 'de minimis' standard from the requirement of obtaining BIS licenses, self certification and third party certification etc. Further, in case the QCO imposes standards that are not aligned with international standards, there should be a strong justification which should be recorded, keeping in mind the costs which may arise to exporters and others from such differential.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
MSMEs demand supportive compliance frameworks as QCO burden mounts
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads New Delhi: As concerns mount regarding the enforcement of mandatory quality control orders (QCOs), small businesses in the country have asserted that compliance frameworks should be designed to support MSMEs rather than stifle their growth while recognising the importance of standardisation for global India SME Forum organised a high-level dialogue this week under the theme 'Bharat Quality Mission: Enabling MSME s for Global Competitiveness'. The event brought together MSME stakeholders, industry associations, and policymakers to collectively advocate for reforms in the QCO implementation process. Vinod Kumar , President of the India SME Forum, stressed the need for a more balanced and inclusive regulatory approach. He emphasised that nearly 97% of India's enterprises are micro and small businesses, which are disproportionately affected by the current QCO regime.'We have reached a point where domestic manufacturers, especially MSMEs, are under intense regulatory scrutiny for components and inputs, while finished goods continue to enter India with minimal checks at ports,' he said, noting that this asymmetry creates a serious disadvantage for local pointed out that the abrupt QCO imposition on raw materials and components has disrupted supply chains, increased production costs, and reduced access to essential inputs across sectors like electronics, food processing, and textiles.'Our entrepreneurs want to comply and produce high-quality goods. But without adequate testing infrastructure or access to global-standard labs, compliance becomes both expensive and time-consuming,' he said. In some cases, an MSME in Pune is required to send samples to Bhopal just to test electrical components—such a gap hinders business and growth, he the Indian government is implementing quality control orders (QCOs) across various industries to enhance product quality and safety. Currently, the government of India does not have a single, unified timeline for enforcing QCOs across all industries. Instead, each QCO is issued by the relevant ministry or regulator for specific products or sectors, and the enforcement date is explicitly stated in each order. For example, the QCO for certain electrical appliances has been extended to March 19, 2026, with further extensions for small and micro enterprises. In the chemicals sector, deadlines have also been adjusted through amendments, sometimes providing up to a six-month extension. Other products, like hinges, have specific implementation dates listed in their respective President, in his address, also flagged disparities between online and offline sellers, noting that e-commerce sellers often face stricter compliance requirements, while offline sellers can bypass scrutiny. Additionally, widespread lack of awareness and the proliferation of fraudulent certification agents further complicate compliance for honest businesses. 'There are cases where MSMEs have been duped by consultants issuing fake certifications that hold no legal value. A robust mechanism is needed to verify certifications and prevent misuse,' Kumar called for a phased roll-out of QCOs, especially for micro-enterprises and existing inventories, as well as exemptions and financial support for the smallest firms. Aligning Indian standards with globally accepted certifications, he said, would streamline exports and reduce redundant testing.'Compliance should not be a barrier to growth. If an MSME holds a CE mark or equivalent global certification, that should be sufficient. We shouldn't need duplicative and costly processes to meet India-specific requirements,' he the Prime Minister's vision of 'Zero Defect, Zero Effect', Kumar emphasised the need for inclusive and pragmatic policymaking that empowers MSMEs rather than constraining them. 'We need a national quality ecosystem that's collaborative, bringing together policymakers, certification bodies, marketplaces, and MSMEs. Our goal is to build a framework that enables, not penalises,' he that end, the India SME Forum plans to run nationwide outreach programmes and certification camps to help 1.2 to 1.5 million MSMEs obtain quality certifications by the end of the speaker Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, emphasised the need for a proper understanding of the intent behind QCOs and urged MSMEs to view them constructively. 'There is a need to correctly interpret the purpose of QCOs. Whatever fears MSMEs have must be addressed. Businesses must adapt logically and progressively, and where the government's support is needed to change processes, that will be provided,' she also underlined that India's strict stance against substandard imports is attracting capital, technology, and jobs, making it essential for MSMEs to align with quality norms. To support this transition, she said the government is investing Rs 78 crore through BIS to expand testing infrastructure nationwide. 'QCOs are not just regulatory tools; they are enablers of export growth and manufacturing excellence,' she highlighted the importance of roadmaps for each sector covered under QCOs and urged industry players to keep the relevant authorities informed of their implementation Arora, President of the state branch of the Indian Pharmaceutical Association, flagged regulatory overlaps affecting the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. He noted that while the Drugs and Cosmetics Act already mandates robust standards, particularly through the Indian Pharmacopoeia, recent QCOs have created confusion and imposed dual compliance requirements. 'Ingredients regulated under stricter pharmacopoeial standards are now also subject to BIS QCOs with more lenient norms, creating unnecessary complications,' Arora said. A pharmacopoeia is an official, legally binding book that sets standards for the quality, identity, purity, and strength of medicines, including active pharmaceutical ingredients, excipients, and finished pharmaceutical a solution, Arora called for clearer exemptions for pharma-grade inputs and the creation of category-specific standards for cosmetics. 'Testing a face serum under lotion standards leads to inaccurate results. The government must develop vertical product standards or ensure appropriate horizontal benchmarks,' he further urged recognition of existing pharma-grade standards under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act to avoid dual compliance and called for greater coordination between BIS and sector regulators. 'Compliance must be meaningful. It should support industry growth while maintaining quality and safety,' he N Malaviya, Founder-Secretary General of the Solar Thermal Federation of India, lauded the QCOs introduced for solar water heating systems on April 14, but flagged major implementation said regional BIS offices remain unaware of updated product structures and testing guidelines. 'There's a disconnect between policy-level updates and on-ground implementation. Portals reflect outdated information, leading to confusion during testing,' he urged BIS to adopt a supportive approach during the transition period and avoid penalising companies trying to comply. 'Despite QCOs being in effect, most consumers are unaware of the new standards. This information vacuum is exploited by fly-by-night operators selling substandard products,' he of the key sessions featured Ramaswami Lakshman, Director of Emerging Markets, FBA at Amazon. He said digitisation has the power to level the playing field for MSMEs. We are committed to helping Indian sellers, especially from tier II and III cities—navigate compliance, improve quality, and reach customers domestically and globally. Over 12 million MSMEs have already been digitised through our initiatives,' he said, adding programmes, such as the Bharat Quality Mission, are essential for shaping policy frameworks that unlock the potential of small event concluded with the submission of a detailed policy recommendation dossier to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs Ministry of MSME , Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The key proposals included a phased implementation of QCOs, improved access to testing infrastructure, harmonisation with global certification norms and financial and capacity-building support for small businesses.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
India must build AI models to solve world challenges: Amitabh Kant
New Delhi: Artificial Intelligence (AI) race has just started, and Indian foundational models will solve many challenges for the world, G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant said on Thursday, urging Indian companies to build better and efficient AI foundational models. "What we did in digital public infrastructure (DPI) is that we used open source, open API, globally interoperable models, and those models will be the way forward for us," Amitabh Kant said at the CII Annual Business Summit 2025. "Therefore, India must build its foundational model. I believe India will provide these foundational models for many areas which have challenges for the world. How to improve learning outcomes, health outcomes and nutritional standards, etc," he told the gathering. According to Amitabh Kant, India will use 22 languages and thousands of dialects to find solutions to many of the challenges of the world. "Indian startups will do some pathbreaking work in this area," he added. Talking about the ease of doing business, the G20 Sherpa said that the Central government has put in the building blocks, and it is time for states to bring reforms. He also urged the industry to invest in research and development to develop cutting-edge technologies to sustain India's accelerated growth. Amitabh Kant also said that Quality Control Orders (QCOs) must be used rationally to ensure Indian industry can grow. To make Indian Industry more competitive, he suggested that states give land to the industry on long-term lease and privatise discoms to make them more efficient. He also underlined the need for an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism to ensure speedy justice, especially in commercial cases. Amitabh Kant said that tourism is another great area for growth. 'We need to roll out a massive Incredible India campaign to attract tourism in a big way. This is India's soft power. It has a huge multiplier effect in terms of jobs and can create millions of jobs. States must drive the tourism sector as the driver of growth,' he said. CII's President Designate (2024-25) and EY India Chairman and CEO, Rajiv Memani, said that India has done a lot of work in manufacturing and underlined the need to boost the sector further. He also highlighted the need for second-generation reforms and advocated for alternate dispute resolution.
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
BIS raids FirstCry store for alleged sale of poor items in Karnataka
BENGALURU: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Bengaluru Branch Office, raided FirstCry's warehouse, operated by Brainbees Solutions Private Limited, on Tuesday for allegedly storing and selling substandard products According to a release from BIS, during the raid, it was found that several product models were being stored and sold without valid BIS licenses. These products were found to be misusing the ISI mark and violating the conditions stipulated under the BIS license. Many of these products fall under categories that are subject to mandatory certification by BIS under the relevant Quality Control Orders (QCOs),' BIS release added. As per the QCOs, no product covered under mandatory certification shall be manufactured, stored, or sold without a valid BIS license and full compliance with the applicable Indian Standards, clarified BIS. BIS stated that a total of 33 product varieties comprising approximately 36,924 units of toys, sippers, and other items were seized during the raid. The estimated market value of the seized goods is around Rs 1.43 crore. BIS has urged all consumers to remain vigilant and always verify the presence of the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark) and the manufacturer's license number before making a purchase.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
BIS raids baby product brand's warehouse in Bengaluru for selling substandard products; goods worth ₹1.43 cr. seized
Officials of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on Tuesday conducted a search and seizure operation in Bengaluru, at the largest warehouse in South India operated by Brainbees Solutions Pvt. Ltd., which trades under the brand name FirstCry, for allegedly selling substandard products . A total of 33 product varieties — comprising approximately 36,924 units of toys, sippers, and other items — were seized during the raid. The estimated market value of the seized goods is ₹1.43 crore. The operation was carried out based on credible information that the firm was allegedly storing and selling products in violation of the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) issued by the Government of India and the BIS Act, 2016, according to a release. 'During the raid and verification of documents, it was found that several product models were being stored and sold without valid BIS licences. These products were found to be misusing the ISI mark and were in violation of the conditions stipulated under the BIS licence. Many of these products fall under categories that are subject to mandatory certification by the BIS under the relevant QCOs,' said the release.
