Strategic Role of Quality Control Norms Emphasized by Piyush Goyal

Amid intense lobbying efforts to delay the implementation of quality control orders (QCOs), Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has underscored their strategic significance. "These QCOs will play a strategic role in enhancing consumer safety, boosting industry competitiveness, and advancing Bharat's rise as a global hub for high-quality products and sustainable manufacturing," Goyal stated in a social media post following a stakeholders' meeting.

Government's Push for Quality Control

In recent years, the government, through the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), has imposed QCOs on a wide range of products, including steel, plywood, furniture, and footwear. According to BIS data, from April 2025 to 2028, QCOs are slated for implementation on 68 products.

Criticism and Support for QCOs

Goyal's meeting comes shortly after Niti Aayog's Suman Bery criticized QCOs that apply to both domestic and imported products, labeling them as more arbitrary and malign than tariffs. Despite such criticisms, the government continues to advocate for the strategic benefits of QCOs in positioning India as a leader in quality manufacturing.