Government Eases Quality Control Order Compliance with a Risk-Based Mechanism

The government has introduced an alternative, risk-based compliance mechanism to make it easier for industry to meet Quality Control Orders (QCOs), while keeping quality assurance intact. It was notified through the Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026, by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

Quality Control Orders are issued for critical products to protect consumers, improve product reliability and make domestic industry more competitive through standardisation. They usually make compliance with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) norms mandatory. The new order acts as a temporary, five-year arrangement to help manufacturers transition to full QCO compliance. Licences under it are initially valid for two years and can be renewed.

A key relaxation is in sourcing. Industry can now procure supplies from manufacturers holding licences under Scheme II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, rather than only under Scheme I, the traditional ISI Mark scheme. Scheme I involves factory assessment, surveillance and a full BIS licence, while Scheme II allows supply based on self-declaration of conformity with Indian standards.

Permissions will be granted on the basis of technical capability, a demonstrated compliance history and a commitment to technology and design advancement. For aspirants, the useful concepts here are QCOs, the role of the BIS, the ISI Mark, and the difference between certification (Scheme I) and self-declaration (Scheme II).