Centre scraps 14 Quality Control Orders to ease rules for chemical and polymer sectors

New Delhi: The Government of India has withdrawn 14 Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Quality Control Orders (QCOs) covering a range of key chemical, polymer and fibre-based materials. The decision, signalling a shift towards greater industry liberalisation, takes effect immediately from the date of its Gazette notification.

According to sources, the withdrawn QCOs include several critical raw materials such as Terephthalic Acid, Ethylene Glycol, Polyester Yarns and Fibres, and major plastics including Polypropylene, Polyethylene, PVC, ABS and Polycarbonate.

The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, which announced the move, said the decision was aimed at ensuring uninterrupted raw material supply, easing import constraints, and reducing input costs for downstream industries — particularly MSMEs operating in packaging, textiles, and moulding.

By doing away with mandatory BIS certification for these materials, the government has effectively simplified compliance procedures, eliminated repetitive testing requirements, and accelerated the approval process for both manufacturers and importers. This, officials said, would enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness across multiple sectors.

Industry representatives have welcomed the move as pragmatic and growth-focused. They described it as a “balancing step” that supports Make in India, promotes exports, and strengthens India’s position in global value chains while maintaining quality through self-regulation and adherence to international standards.

The withdrawal reflects what government sources called a “responsive governance approach”, acknowledging that mature industries can uphold product quality through innovation and global best practices rather than relying solely on mandatory certification regimes.