DPIIT Introduces Transition Facilitation (Quality Control Order), 2026: A Major Compliance Relief for Selected Industries
- Continuous adherence to the corresponding Indian standards
- The supply of the necessary goods on the market
- Quality control systems
- More responsibility in the supply chain
- Government regulation, BIS and DPIIT
- Innovation in the manufacturing sector of a country
Not Relenting on BIS Requirements
The notification does not exempt from or reduce the obligation for BIS certification.
All those products covered under relevant QCOs have to meet Indian Standards. It does not imply that manufacturers can look at the Order as an indication that they are not to comply with the BIS requirements.
Increased Accountability in the Supply Chain
The Government has made it clear that: Traceability in the supply chain is required Traceability of products Quality control mechanisms Manufacturing controls Compliance with the regulations
It means that Chinese manufacturers providing goods to Indian importers will need to be more compliant and provide documentation
Greater Regulatory Scrutiny
This notification empowers the concerned BIS and Government agencies for continued compliance with the Indian Standards and for market surveillance.
This implies that all manufacturers will have to brace for increased post-market surveillance requirements for goods shipped to India.
Short Title and Commencement
The Government has promulgated the Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026, and it entered into force with effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. This Order is a transitional regulatory framework that is being introduced to help companies transition into the growing Quality Compliance Order (QCO) regime in India while ensuring quality compliance.
Application
This Order shall apply to such product(s) as are specified in the Quality Control Orders appended to the said notification. It is important for business enterprises involved in dealing with these specified products to determine if they fall within the scope of these QCOs first.
Compulsory Use of Standard Mark
The Order does not compromise on the existing quality standards. The products falling within the purview of the applicable QCOs need to continue complying with the respective Indian Standards and also carry a valid BIS Standard Mark under Scheme-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. BIS would continue to perform market surveillance for the purpose of checking compliance and quality of the product.
Granting of Permission
The permissions could be granted by the DPIIT to such eligible companies incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013, based on a risk assessment carried out by an Implementation Committee consisting of representatives of DPIIT, BIS, DGFT, Department of Consumer Affairs and Department of Commerce.
The Committee would assess the applicants on the basis of their technical competence, industry experience, quality assurance system, compliance record, supply chain controls and their commitment towards the development of manufacturing, technology, research and localisation activities in India.
Application and Other Modalities
Applications may be made up to 24 months from the date of the commencement of the Order. The Department will come out with guidelines in detail with regard to the procedure for applications, documentation, compliance, monitoring, and other operational aspects.
Duration and Saving
This Order shall remain in force for five years from the date of its commencement except as otherwise provided by the Central Government. Permits issued under this Order shall continue to be in force for the duration thereof even after the cancellation of this Order, unless revoked or amended.
Interpretation
Any doubt as to the meaning or application of the provisions of the Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026 shall be settled by the DPIIT. This clause takes care of the interpretation of the provisions and also helps businesses to get a clear view regarding the authority for settling regulatory doubts.
Toys Manufacturers
China is still among the biggest manufacturing centres for toys in the world and supplies many toys to India.
It should be ensured by the manufacturers exporting toys that: BIS compliance is followed Product testing is carried out in accordance with Indian standards Factory compliance criteria are met Technical documentation is maintained
With the introduction of the new Order, India has reiterated its emphasis on product safety and quality assessment
It should be ensured by the manufacturers exporting toys that:
Footwear Manufacturers
Chinese footwear manufacturers who export: Safety footwear Industrial footwear Rubber footwear Polymeric footwear Leather footwear
should strictly adhere to the BIS compliance criteria.
Air Conditioner & Component Manufacturers
The air conditioning industry is now one of the most highly regulated sectors within the Indian QCO regime.
Chinese manufacturers making: Air conditioners Compressors Temperature sensing controllers HVAC components
must remain vigilant regarding issues related to certifications and testing.
Chinese manufacturers making:
Furniture Manufacturers
Mandatory furniture compliance based on BIS standards will come into effect in February 2026. There is great potential, in addition to a compliance challenge, for Chinese exporters in this industry sector.
Manufacturing companies should start getting ready by: Looking at relevant Indian standards Determining testing requirements Checking certification time frames Checking for compliance gaps
Such readiness will avoid any risk of shipment delays or market entry problems.
Manufacturing companies should start getting ready by:
Electrical Appliance Manufacturers
Manufacturers of: Washing machines Water heaters Household electrical appliances Commercial electrical equipment
are expected to have more compliance challenges within India’s QCO regime.
The new Order clearly indicates the government's intentions in this regard.
Conduct a Product Mapping Exercise
Identify all products exported to India that fall within: Current QCOs Future QCOs BIS certification requirements
Many manufacturers find that the products that were not covered by regulations are now covered by them.
Assess BIS Certification status
Check whether existing certifications are: Still valid? Product specific? Factory specific? Are they up-to-date?
Manufacturers must also check if any changes in the product necessitate further approvals.
Improve technical documentation
Keep record of: Test reports Product specifications Manufacturing process Quality manual Traceability data Factory audit reports
This documentation might play an increasing role in compliance checking and market surveillance activities.
Improve supply chain management
The notification explicitly mentions the need for improving supply-chain quality assurance.
Improvements should be made on: Raw material control Supplier qualification systems Production process Quality inspections Corrective actions
Prepare for market surveillance
BIS will perform market surveillance activities to check the conformity of the products.
Manufacturers must make sure that products in the Indian market match their certified specifications. Any non-conformity could result in regulatory action, product recall, cancellation of permissions or other measures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A Quality Control Order is a governmental regulation requiring mandatory BIS certification for certain products prior to their production, importation, and sale in India.
These include such products as furniture, hinges, household laundry machines, and some household and commercial electrical appliances.
Yes, all foreign producers shall have the respective BIS certification before shipping such products to India.
They have to fulfil all BIS certification requirements in order to prevent any shipment problems.
There might be issues such as shipment detention, rejection of shipment, penalties, and restrictions on sales in India.
This period of time varies depending on the product category, test procedure, and preparedness of documentation.
As early as possible, before the enforcement of the relevant requirement.
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