On May 15, 2025, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) convened a Stakeholder Consultation Meeting in New Delhi to discuss the implementation of Horizontal Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for the safety of household and commercial electrical appliances. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing product quality and boosting the global competitiveness of Indian manufacturers. This article explores the key outcomes of the meeting, industry concerns, and their relevance for competitive exam aspirants.
Purpose of the Stakeholder Consultation
Strengthening Product Safety Standards
The meeting focused on the Horizontal QCO on “Safety of Household, Commercial, and Similar Electrical Appliances,” notified by DPIIT on September 20, 2024. The QCO is based on IS 302 (Part 1): 2008, revised as IS 302 (Part 1): 2024/IEC 60335-1: 2020, covering safety standards for 85 electrical appliances. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal emphasized that QCOs have earned industry support by improving product quality and enabling Indian manufacturers to access global markets. The consultation aimed to address industry challenges in implementing these standards while ensuring consumer safety and industry competitiveness.
Industry Support and Concerns
Balancing Quality with Practical Challenges
Industry representatives, including leading associations like CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, and CEAMA, expressed strong support for the intent of QCOs to ensure high-quality products in India. However, they raised several concerns regarding implementation, including:
- Ambiguity in Coverage: Uncertainty regarding DC-supplied and battery-operated appliances.
- Testing Infrastructure: Limited availability of product manuals and test labs for all 85 appliances.
- Certification Challenges: Insufficient time for domestic and foreign manufacturers to obtain BIS certification.
- Legacy Stock Issues: Concerns about managing existing non-BIS certified inventory.
- E-commerce Restrictions: Non-acceptance of non-BIS marked products on online platforms.
The industry proposed a phased rollout of QCOs, starting with finished goods before components, and aligning compliance timelines with domestic manufacturing capacities and global supply chain complexities.
Government’s Response and Commitments
Collaborative Approach to Implementation
Shri Piyush Goyal acknowledged the industry’s concerns and agreed to consider extending the implementation timeline and addressing legacy stock issues. He urged the industry to propose plans for establishing additional testing facilities with modern technology in public-funded labs, public sector enterprises, and state government institutions to create a robust testing infrastructure across India.
Shri Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to a consultative and collaborative approach. He emphasized that QCOs aim to ensure that ‘Made in India’ products are globally recognized for safety, quality, and trust.
Enhancing Testing and Certification Ecosystem
Supporting MSMEs and Industry Readiness
The DPIIT is actively working with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to streamline the testing and certification ecosystem. Efforts are focused on making it more accessible, efficient, and affordable, particularly for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The DPIIT is also identifying gaps in testing infrastructure to ensure a smooth rollout of the QCO and support sectoral readiness.
| Initiative | Objective |
|---|---|
| Testing Infrastructure | Expand modern testing facilities across India. |
| BIS Certification | Streamline processes for domestic and foreign manufacturers. |
| MSME Support | Make certification affordable and accessible for small businesses. |
| Phased Rollout | Align QCO implementation with industry capabilities. |
Alignment with Aatmanirbhar Bharat
Building a Self-Reliant India
The QCO initiatives reflect the Government of India’s vision of creating an Aatmanirbhar Bharat by developing world-class products of exceptional quality. By enforcing stringent safety and quality standards, QCOs aim to enhance the global competitiveness of Indian manufacturers, promote exports, and establish India as a trusted supplier in international markets.
The proactive participation of industry stakeholders, including RAMA, ICEA, IFMA, and SMTA, highlights the collaborative effort to achieve these goals while addressing practical challenges.
Key Highlights
- DPIIT held a Stakeholder Consultation Meeting on May 15, 2025, to discuss Horizontal QCOs for electrical appliances.
- Industry supports QCOs for improving product quality and accessing global markets.
- Concerns include testing infrastructure, BIS certification timelines, and legacy stock issues.
- Government to consider extending implementation timelines and expanding testing facilities.
- Initiatives align with Aatmanirbhar Bharat, promoting world-class Indian products.