The centre has exempted inputs used in products meant for export from quality control orders (QCOs) issued by the Steel Ministry. According to a gazette notification, this relaxation has also been extended to QCOs issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), and the Textiles Ministry.
These changes have been made by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade to the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023.
Under the quality control regime, manufacturers need to get prior approvals from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certifying compliance for selling regulated items in the country. Import of goods under the QCO regime is also restricted and only pre-certified products can be brought into the country.
In February this year, the Centre introduced a fresh QCO for 145 steel products. The latest notification superseded an existing one which covered 111 products from stainless steel pipes and tubes to primary cells and primary batteries parts. Most aspects of the QCO, such as specifications for steel wire for staples, pins, and clips, were applicable with immediate effect.
The QCO also stated that substandard or defective steel and steel products, which do not conform to the specified standards, will be disposed of as scrap. The over covers steel chequered plates, mild steel for metal arc welding electrodes and mild steel wire rods for general engineering purposes, among others.
During 2023, the DPIIT had notified QCO for Copper Products. The order covered Copper Wire Rods for Electrical Applications, Copper Rods and Bars for electrical purposes, and Copper Strip for electrical purposes among others. It has earlier notified quality control on Bicycles – Retro Reflective Devices, Refrigerating Appliances, Safety Glass, and Footwear among others.
The Textiles Ministry has issued QCO on Geo, Protective, Agro, and Medical Textiles.