The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has urged the government to support exporters in establishing in-house product testing facilities at their factories, subject to regulatory approval, to accelerate certification, reduce delays and ensure timely shipments to international markets.
FIEO President S C Ralhan said allowing exporters to test products within their own premises under an approved framework would reduce dependence on common testing centres and help companies meet delivery schedules in overseas markets.
The proposal assumes importance as India implements an increasing number of free trade agreements (FTAs), creating fresh opportunities for exporters while requiring compliance with international quality and safety standards.
According to Ralhan, sending products to common testing facilities can lead to delays, particularly when multiple companies depend on the same centres for certification. Such delays can disrupt production schedules, affect shipment commitments and increase compliance costs for exporters.
Establishing approved testing laboratories within factory premises would enable companies to complete quality checks more efficiently and expedite the certification process. It could also help exporters respond faster to overseas buyers’ requirements and improve supply-chain reliability.
FIEO’s proposal seeks government support for a regulated framework under which eligible export units could conduct product testing in-house, subject to the necessary approvals and applicable standards.
The move could be particularly beneficial for exporters seeking to capitalise on India’s expanding network of FTAs, where timely deliveries, product quality and compliance with destination-market regulations remain critical to competitiveness.
FIEO has emphasised the need to streamline export processes and strengthen the operational efficiency of Indian exporters as the country seeks to expand its presence in global markets.