India Withdraws 14 BIS Quality Control Orders: What It Means for Importers, Manufacturers, and Supply Chains

India Withdraws 14 BIS Quality Control Orders

The Government of India has officially withdrawn 14 BIS Quality Control Orders (QCOs) that previously regulated key polymer and fibre raw materials used across the manufacturing ecosystem. This policy shift directly impacts sectors dependent on imports, including textiles, plastics, packaging, moulding, automotive and industrial manufacturing. Materials such as PTA, EG, PP, PE, PVC, ABS and PC will no longer require mandatory BIS licensing, significantly easing compliance for players in the import export industry.

This move supports India’s broader goal of improving the Ease of Doing Business, reducing unnecessary regulatory friction, and strengthening the competitiveness of the Import Export Business and domestic manufacturing sector.

Understanding the Withdrawal of 14 Quality Control Orders

The withdrawn QCOs previously mandated compulsory BIS certification for several high-volume raw materials. These requirements involved factory inspections, sample testing, in-country laboratory evaluation and recurring audits, all of which increased delays and compliance costs for companies reliant on raw material imports.

With the government’s decision, these products now fall under voluntary QMS (Quality Management System) and standard adherence, instead of rigid mandatory licensing. This does not eliminate the need for quality oversight; instead, it provides companies with greater operational flexibility while still prioritising responsible quality management.

Impact on Importers and Downstream Industries

The withdrawal of these QCOs directly benefits businesses engaged in imports and raw material-based manufacturing. Customs clearances are expected to accelerate, reducing average processing times from a typical 7–10 days to approximately 2–4 days. Companies will also experience lower compliance-related costs, as mandatory testing, sampling procedures and licensing fees are no longer required. For organisations in the Import Export Business, this translates to faster turnaround times, better supply chain predictability, and improved working capital cycles.

Downstream sectors—including apparel, footwear, consumer goods, moulding, packaging and automotive components, will gain easier access to cost-effective global raw material sources. However, domestic producers of polymers and fibres may face increased import competition, prompting a need for stronger differentiation and improved internal QMS practices.

Why This Policy Matters for Businesses

This regulatory update is a major development for Indian businesses engaged in import export operations, manufacturing, and supply chain management. For many organisations, mandatory QCO compliance often created bottlenecks in sourcing, production planning, and inventory management. Removing these barriers allows companies to diversify suppliers, optimise procurement strategies and reduce operational risk.

At the same time, firms must remain vigilant in maintaining voluntary quality compliance. Businesses that export finished products to markets such as the EU, US and Middle East continue to face stringent quality requirements. Maintaining robust internal QMS frameworks ensures product integrity even without mandatory certification.

What Companies Should Do Next

Businesses should begin reassessing their import strategies, updating procurement SOPs, and reviewing quality standards. Internal compliance documents that reference outdated QCO obligations should be revised. Companies are encouraged to conduct supplier evaluations, recalculate landed cost models, and strengthen quality checks to ensure standards remain consistent across the supply chain.

Firms in the management consulting and business service domains will find growing demand for support in regulatory interpretation, supply chain optimisation and compliance restructuring. Organisations should also consider conducting QMS audits to ensure voluntary adherence to quality expectations for both domestic and global markets.

How SLV 360 Supports Your Business

As a specialised management consulting and business service provider in global trade and compliance, SLV 360 helps businesses navigate this regulatory shift with confidence. Our team assists in mapping deregulated product lines, modelling landed-cost implications, and upgrading internal QMS and compliance frameworks. We help companies evaluate new suppliers, maintain export readiness, and redesign policies to align with the evolving BIS landscape.

Whether you operate a manufacturing unit, manage an active Import Export Business, or rely heavily on global raw material sourcing, SLV 360 provides comprehensive advisory support to keep your operations compliant, agile and competitive.

For detailed guidance or customised consulting support, reach out to us at:📩 info@spheralink360.com