To address industry concerns over the implementation of Quality Control Orders (QCOs), the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) have announced enhanced outreach and consultation initiatives targeted at MSMEs.
With QCOs becoming mandatory under the BIS Act for both domestic and imported products, many small businesses have raised issues around compliance burden, certification costs, and supply chain disruptions. The government now plans to conduct regional conferences to directly engage MSMEs and offer supportive reforms.
What are QCOs and why are MSMEs concerned?
QCOs (Quality Control Orders) are legally binding directives that mandate adherence to specific BIS standards. While they’re designed to:
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Improve product quality and consumer safety
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Boost India’s export readiness
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Curb substandard imports and support Atmanirbhar Bharat
MSMEs have voiced that QCOs can act as non-tariff barriers, especially when imported raw materials or inputs become costlier due to certification issues.
Recently, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery acknowledged this challenge, describing some QCOs as “malign interventions” impacting MSME competitiveness.
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Reforms and relief measures for MSMEs
The DoCA and BIS have rolled out multiple relief initiatives to ease compliance for small businesses:
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Simplified BIS certification with timelines under 30 days
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Digital certification platforms and Jan Sunwai open house sessions
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Optional in-house labs; MSMEs may share test facilities in clusters
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Concession in marking fees: 80% for micro, 50% for small, and 20% for medium units
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Manak Manthan programme to handhold MSMEs at field level
BIS data reveals that 80% of its 50,753 certifications have been granted to MSMEs — with over 24,000 licensees applying voluntarily, indicating growing awareness and market value of ISI-marked products.
Certification: From compliance burden to market credibility
Officials emphasise that QCOs are meant to enhance India’s quality ecosystem, reduce dumping of substandard goods, and build global consumer trust in Indian products.
By easing certification pathways, MSMEs can now:
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Use the ISI mark to boost brand reputation
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Enter export markets with enhanced credibility
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Participate in government procurement and vendor ecosystems
The BIS and DoCA will continue conducting regional conferences, digital workshops, and field-level guidance to ensure compliance is not a barrier but an enabler for small businesses.