Govt withdraws 14 BIS quality control orders; major relief for chemical, plastics and textile sectors

In a significant move to boost industrial competitiveness and ease of doing business, the Indian government has withdrawn 14 Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Quality Control Orders (QCOs) covering key chemical, polymer, and fibre-based materials.

The decision, effective immediately from the date of Gazette publication, marks a major step toward industry liberalisation and reducing the regulatory burden on manufacturers and importers.

According to the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, the withdrawal will provide significant relief to the chemical, plastics, and textile sectors, ensuring uninterrupted raw material availability, reducing import constraints, and lowering input costs for downstream MSMEs in packaging, textile, and moulding industries.

The QCOs withdrawn cover several essential raw materials, including Terephthalic Acid, Ethylene Glycol, Polyester Yarns and Fibres, and major plastics such as Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), and Polycarbonate. These materials are critical inputs for a wide range of industrial and consumer goods applications.

By removing the requirement for mandatory BIS certification, the government has simplified compliance procedures, eliminated duplication of testing, and accelerated approvals for both domestic manufacturers and importers. This move is expected to enhance operational efficiency, reduce production bottlenecks, and improve global competitiveness for Indian industries.

Industry leaders have welcomed the decision as progressive and pragmatic, calling it a balanced approach that maintains quality standards while allowing greater flexibility for businesses. The reform aligns with India’s broader economic agenda focused on “Make in India”, ease of doing business, and export growth.

Experts note that this decision demonstrates the government’s responsive and reform-oriented governance, recognising that mature industries can uphold product quality through self-regulation, innovation, and adherence to international standards rather than rigid domestic certification requirements.