India Withdraws 14 QCOs on Key Chemicals and Polymers
The Indian government has withdrawn 14 Quality Control Orders (QCOs) on key chemicals, polymers, and fibre-based materials, streamlining compliance and easing import procedures for the chemical, plastics, and textile sectors. The move aims to boost ease of doing business, reduce input costs, and improve export competitiveness.
The Indian government has withdrawn 14 Quality Control Orders (QCOs) covering key chemical, polymer, and fibre-based materials, including Terephthalic Acid, Ethylene Glycol, Polyester Yarns and Fibres, Polypropylene, Polyethylene, PVC, ABS, and Polycarbonate. This reform is seen as a landmark step to streamline approvals, speed up procedures, and boost ease of doing business for the chemical, plastics, and textile sectors. The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers stated that the decision will ensure raw material availability, reduce import bottlenecks, and lower input costs for downstream MSMEs in packaging, textiles, and moulding. Industry experts and associations welcomed the move, noting it will improve cost competitiveness and operational flexibility. The withdrawal aligns with recommendations from NITI Aayog and a High-Level Committee on Non-Financial Regulatory Reforms, which highlighted the need to limit mandatory norms to safety-critical or consumer-facing items. Experts also stressed the importance of monitoring import trends to prevent the entry of dumped or sub-standard materials. The reform brings India closer to international regulatory norms and supports ongoing trade negotiations with major economies.
