India imposes textile quality orders to compete with China
The government has set a target to encompass more than 2,000 products under the QCO.
The government plans to introduce new quality control orders (QCOs) for various textile products, including technical, protective, and build-tech textiles.
This initiative aims to stem the flow of inexpensive Chinese goods and bolster India’s position in global manufacturing and supply chains by improving quality control measures. The government intends to ensure product quality through QCOs, in consultation with the industry and export promotion councils. Additionally, they mentioned the possibility of using QCOs to incentivise global players to establish manufacturing units in India. However, they clarified that QCOs do not apply to export items.
The government has set a target to encompass more than 2,000 products under the QCO. Presently, items such as bedsheets, pillow covers, shoe covers, napkins, baby diapers, orchard protection covers, fencing nets, and insect nets fall under the purview of QCOs.
Regarding the types of textiles, technical textiles include PPE kits and masks, protective textiles consist of safety kits for firefighters and construction workers, while build-tech textiles comprise products used for slope stabilisation, load-bearing, and other construction-related purposes.
To fortify India’s textiles ecosystem, the government has identified five key focus areas, including addressing skill gaps and infrastructure through initiatives such as PM MITRA parks, the production-linked incentive scheme, Technical Textiles Mission, Samarth, and the National Handloom Development Programme.
One of the individuals explained that the introduction of QCOs serves two main objectives: enhancing product quality and curbing the import of substandard goods. They emphasised the endeavour to establish Indian textiles as a quality product.
Technical textiles prioritise performance over aesthetics. For instance, PPE kits must meet specific technical specifications such as viral protection standards and blood circulation requirements, necessitating the implementation of QCOs for these textiles.
New QCOs under consideration pertain to protective, agro, and build-tech textiles, and they are anticipated to be implemented in the upcoming months. Consultations with stakeholders are currently underway.
According to recent data from India’s commerce ministry, textile exports amounted to $30.96 billion during the April 2023-February 2024 period, a decrease from $32.33 billion compared to the previous year.
India holds the position of the world’s third-largest exporter of textiles and apparel, with a 4.6% share of global trade. It ranks among the top five exporters in various textile categories, and exports are projected to reach $65 billion by FY26.
As India endeavours to strengthen its position in global manufacturing and supply chains by enhancing quality control measures, it is simultaneously negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs) with various countries. These agreements aim to reduce import duties on manufactured goods and prevent the influx of substandard items into the country.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) applies to both domestically manufactured products and imports. While some countries accept BIS-certified goods, adherence to QCOs may encourage more nations to recognize BIS-certified products, thereby enhancing India’s export potential in the textiles sector.
Moreover, with the implementation of QCOs, manufacturers will be obligated to comply with stringent regulations. Once a QCO is notified, firms cannot engage in any activity related to the products covered under QCOs without the ISI mark. Violations of the regulations may lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
News source: Live Mint
