QUALITY CONTROL ORDERS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Recently, India has robustly defended the quality control orders implemented across diverse sectors, asserting that these measures are essential for maintaining product quality, safeguarding human, animal, and plant health, and preventing deceptive practices.

• The United States, Canada, Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu had last year raised concerns over India’s quality control orders over the years in sectors, such as toys, chemicals, ICT (information and communication technology) products, and automobile parts. 

Quality Control Orders (QCO)

• About: QCOs serve as regulatory measures implemented by the government to establish quality standards for specific products or product categories.
• Objective: To control the import of sub-standard and cheaper items into the domestic market. 

oThis ensures that customers have access to quality products meeting prescribed standards.

• WTO and QCOs: QCOs cannot be contested at the World Trade Organization (WTO) when imposed on grounds of health, safety, environment, deceptive trade practices, or national security.
• Role of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): To guarantee compliance with quality standards outlined in QCOs, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) plays a crucial role.
• Certification by BIS: BIS is responsible for certifying products that meet the prescribed standards, catering to both domestic and international manufacturers.
• BIS Act, 2016: Under the BIS Act, 2016, the QCOs explicitly prohibit the manufacturing, storing, and sale of non-BIS certified products.