India Strengthens Quality Standards to Curb Substandard Goods, Supports MSMEs: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi
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Government Focuses on Harmonising Quality Control Orders
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday emphasised the government’s commitment to harmonising the scope of Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to curb the circulation of substandard goods while remaining considerate of domestic MSME requirements.
Speaking at the World Standards Day 2025 celebration organised by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in New Delhi, Joshi highlighted that over 22,300 standards are currently in force, and 94% of Indian standards are aligned with ISO and IEC international benchmarks.
“BIS must achieve a sustainable balance between curbing substandard products and supporting domestic manufacturers,” Joshi stated.
India’s Economic Growth and Standards Alignment
Joshi reflected on India’s remarkable economic trajectory over the past 11 years, noting that the country has risen from the 10th to the 4th largest economy, driven by the government’s philosophy of Reform, Perform, and Transform.
He said, “India is confidently moving towards becoming the third-largest economy by 2028. The BIS has played a pivotal role in this journey by aligning national standards with global benchmarks, ensuring our products are trusted both domestically and internationally.”
Standards, according to the minister, are critical for safety, quality, consumer trust, and smooth domestic and international trade. They also support environmental sustainability and bolster India’s global competitiveness.
“Adhering to standards strengthens the reliability of our products and enhances India’s position in global markets,” Joshi added.
Growth in Standards and Mandatory Certifications
Underlining India’s progress in standardisation, Joshi noted significant growth in newly formulated standards and products requiring mandatory certification:
- New standards increased from 407 in 2014 to 1,038 in 2025.
- Products under mandatory certification rose from 106 products under 14 QCOs in 2014 to 773 products under 191 QCOs and 2 horizontal QCOs in 2025.
This expansion reflects a strategic push to ensure high-quality, safe, and globally competitive products while simultaneously protecting the interests of MSMEs, which form the backbone of India’s manufacturing sector.
Zero Defect, Zero Effect Vision
Joshi reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for zero defect and zero effect, promoting products that are flawless in quality and harmless to the environment.
“Bharat must be recognized globally for its quality. Indian standards should become synonymous with international standards,” the minister said.
Minister of State for Consumer Affairs and Social Justice and Empowerment BL Verma also lauded the contributions of experts in driving India’s standardisation movement. He emphasised the importance of global standardisation in promoting growth and collaboration and praised the “Standardization Heroes of India” for ensuring a balanced development of standards and certifications.
Why It Matters: National and Global Impact
The government’s push to strengthen standards has both local and international implications:
- Consumer Protection: Ensures safer, reliable products for citizens across India.
- MSME Support: Balances regulatory requirements to avoid burdening small and medium enterprises.
- Global Competitiveness: Aligning Indian standards with ISO and IEC benchmarks improves India’s trade credibility and export potential.
- Environmental Sustainability: Mandatory certifications and standards help in promoting eco-friendly production and resource efficiency.
By integrating domestic priorities with international standards, India positions itself as a trusted producer of high-quality goods, enhancing its global reputation in manufacturing and exports.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
India’s emphasis on harmonising Quality Control Orders and standards signals a forward-looking approach to economic growth, consumer safety, and global competitiveness. The BIS’s role in aligning Indian standards with international benchmarks is critical not only for curbing substandard goods but also for empowering MSMEs, protecting consumers, and supporting environmental sustainability. With a robust framework in place, India is poised to strengthen its position in the global market while ensuring inclusive growth for all stakeholders.