India’s Focus on Quality Control Orders Grows in Chemicals Sector

As the focus of global trade shifts from tariffs to technical regulations, India’s chemical and petrochemical industries are under increasing pressure to strengthen their regulatory frameworks. The introduction of Quality Control Orders (QCOs) is seen as a crucial step towards aligning with international standards and protecting domestic markets. 

Global Trends Drive Regulatory Action 

Countries such as China, the US, and EU Member States have reinforced non-tariff measures (NTMs), such as product standards and conformity assessments, to protect their markets. India is following suit, by increasingly using QCOs to regulate sectors such as chemicals, electronics, and food-contact materials. 

QCOs Expand, but Challenges Remain 

India has now notified over 105 QCOs, covering more than 1,000 chemical substances. While this signals progress, experts note that further investment in testing infrastructure and enforcement capacity is still needed. 

According to Anupam Razi, a former director at Underwriters Laboratories and a member of the BIS Technical Committee, QCOs help close regulatory gaps and protect against low-quality imports. Recent improvements include faster testing times for PVC resin and expanded licensing for companies adapting to the updated QCOs. 

Strengthening Market Surveillance 

Despite these steps, delays in implementation have contributed to market risks, particularly in sectors such as polymers and agrochemicals. Experts stress that robust enforcement and stronger market surveillance will be essential for India to support domestic manufacturing and meet global trade expectations.