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Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026: What Manufacturers and Importers Need to Know About India’s New QCO Framework
The regulatory landscape in India is changing rapidly, and manufacturers, importers or suppliers of regulated products need to keep abreast of every development. On 25 June 2026, the Government of India issued the Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026, which introduced a new framework to facilitate the implementation of selected Quality Control Orders (QCOs) while maintaining product quality and safety.
“This notification is important as it provides a structured mechanism to grant limited permissions to eligible companies under specified Quality Control Orders without compromising the compliance with applicable Indian Standards.” This new notification is an important tool for future business planning and regulatory preparedness for manufacturers, importers, exporters and supply chain stakeholders.”
This article discusses the main details of the new Order, its business implications and why it has become more important to keep abreast of the changing Quality Control Orders (QCOs).
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What is the Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026?
The Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026, issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) came into effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette on 25 June 2026.
The notification does not replace existing QCOs, but rather lays down a framework for certain products already covered under notified QCOs. It provides for a licensing system for eligible companies under certain conditions and also for continued conformance to the Indian Standards (referred to as Indian Standards hereinafter) issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
The Order also establishes an Implementation Committee that will review applications based on the technical capacity, history of compliance, manufacturing controls, and supply chain reliability.
Objectives Behind the New Quality Control Framework
The Government has introduced this framework with wider regulatory and industrial objectives.
Some of the primary goals include:
• Supporting a smoother transition under selected Quality Control Orders
• Maintaining product quality and consumer safety
• Encouraging responsible manufacturing practices
• Strengthening India’s quality infrastructure
• Promoting long-term compliance rather than temporary exemptions
• Enhancing supply chain resilience and manufacturing capability
The Order reinforces the Government’s ongoing focus on improving product quality standards among regulated sectors.
Products Covered Under the Transition Facilitation Order
The Order applies only to such products which are already covered under the Quality Control Orders mentioned in its Schedule.
These include:
• Toys
• Personal Protective Equipment (Footwear)
• Air Conditioners and Related Parts
• Hermetic Compressors
• Temperature Sensing Controls
• Rubber and Polymeric Footwear
• Leather Footwear
• Domestic Water Heating Appliances
• Domestic Clothes Washing Appliances
• Hinges
• Furniture
• Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances
DPIIT should issue future implementation guidelines for businesses in these sectors to monitor closely.
Understanding the Permission-Based Framework
One of the most important features of the notification is the permission mechanism under DPIIT.
Such permission may be granted only after evaluation by an Implementation Committee. The Committee considers a number of factors, including:
• Technical capability
• Manufacturing controls
• Product quality systems
• Compliance track record
• Supply chain management
• Research and development commitment
• Technology adoption
• Previous history of complying with applicable Quality Control Orders
The Order makes clear that permissions are not automatic and will be subject to detailed evaluation.
Importance of Product Certification in Global Trade
Why Product Certification Matters More Than Ever
Businesses should be aware that the notification does not reduce existing compliance obligations.
Under the new Order, all products covered by the listed Quality Control Orders shall continue to comply with their respective Indian Standards and bear the Standard Mark under the relevant BIS licensing scheme, within the ambit of the new Order.
Therefore, the framework focuses on ongoing regulatory compliance and also provides for an administrative process for qualifying businesses.
Why Product Certification Matters in International Trade
The Increasing Role of Product Certification
Regulatory compliance is one of the most important competitiveness factors in the international markets.
Product certification is an indication that manufacturers have met the criteria for quality and safety, whether the product is sold domestically or exported.
Strong certification practices help businesses:
• Improve product credibility
• Reduce regulatory uncertainty
• Strengthen supply chain confidence
• Support international market acceptance
• Build long-term customer trust
• Minimise compliance-related disruptions
As technical regulations become stronger in more countries, product certification is becoming more and more a strategic business requirement and not just a legal obligation.
Risks of Exporting Without Certification
Many exporters spend too much time on pricing, logistics and distribution, and not enough time on regulatory compliance.
Running your business without the right certifications may bring several challenges to your business, such as:
• Delays in customs clearance
• Shipment rejection
• Product recalls
• Financial losses
• Market access restrictions
• Damage to brand reputation
• Increased regulatory scrutiny
Businesses can reduce these risks and be prepared for future regulatory expectations by staying up to date with changes to Quality Control Orders.
How the New Order Impacts Manufacturers and Importers
While the Order is primarily an administrative permission structure, its real-world impact is much broader.
Businesses might need to:
• Continuously monitor regulatory updates
• Maintain stronger quality documentation
• Demonstrate robust manufacturing controls
• Strengthen internal compliance systems
• Maintain traceable supply chains
• Improve long-term compliance records
Firms with mature compliance practices are generally better positioned to adapt as India’s quality ecosystem continues to evolve.
Market Surveillance to Continue
The notification also reiterates the role of the Bureau of Indian Standards in market surveillance.
BIS may, either directly or through the notified agencies, check whether the products available in the market conform to the Indian Standards continuously.
This suggests an increasing focus on post-certification compliance, rather than just approvals.
Common Compliance Challenges Businesses Face
With the evolving regulatory landscape of India, there are several common challenges faced by businesses.
These include:
• Frequent regulatory updates
• Multiple product-specific Quality Control Orders
• Changing implementation timelines
• Complex documentation requirements
• Coordination across manufacturing and supply chains
• Managing compliance across multiple product categories
• Understanding evolving technical standards
To reduce uncertainty and prepare for regulatory changes, organisations can stay informed and regularly review compliance obligations.
Why Regulatory Awareness Has Become a Business Priority
India’s Quality Control ecosystem is growing across many industries – electrical products, machinery, footwear, chemicals, consumer goods, furniture, industrial products and more.
Every new notification is a sign of a wider policy trend toward higher product quality, consumer safety and manufacturing excellence.
Companies that keep up with changes in regulations are likely to be in a better position to:
• Plan future production
• Reduce compliance risks
• Protect market access
• Strengthen customer confidence
• Align with evolving quality expectations
Organisations seeking updates on certification regulations and developments in global compliance can refer to industry resources such as the product compliance knowledge hub at www.eraglobal.co.in, which publishes educational updates and regulatory insights regularly.
Conclusion
Another significant development in the evolving landscape of product quality in India is the Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026. Instead of reducing the quality standards, the notification provides a structured way of combining regulatory supervision with transition help for eligible businesses.
Manufacturers, Importers, Exporters and all stakeholders in the supply chain shall keep a close watch on subsequent guidelines issued by DPIIT, understand how the new framework interacts with existing Quality Control Orders and stay abreast of ongoing regulatory developments.
As the quality infrastructure in India becomes stronger, regulatory awareness, product certification and long-term compliance will continue to be key factors for sustainable business growth and uninterrupted market access.
Author Bio
ERA Global Standards Certification is a knowledge partner in regulatory compliance and product certification, regularly releasing updates on Quality Control Orders, BIS certification, global product regulations, and international compliance developments. Know more from their regulatory resources at www.eraglobal.co.in.