Quality Control Orders to be implemented for 24 footwear products from July 1

Commerce minister Piyush Goyal discussed the implementation of QCOs on 24 footwear products from July 1, 2023, with the stakeholders and deliberated upon ways to effectively implement the Quality Control Orders (QCOs). The Minister emphasised that the QCOs will be implemented in letter and spirit with effect from July 1, 2023, for 24 products.

However, for 5 standards which have been revised recently, the manufacturers making the products as per these revised specifications will be given an additional time of 6 months to comply with the QCOs with effect from January 1, 2024. Further, the QCOs shall come into effect for small-scale industries from January 1, 2024, and for micro-scale industries from July 1, 2024.

Goyal has hailed the Quality Control Orders for the leather industry as a game changer for the sector. While interacting with the representatives from the Indian Footwear Industry today in New Delhi, the minister said that the QCOs will establish the brand of India and enhance the value of Indian products. The Industry leaders from various leather sector associations welcomed the QCOs, saying that they will work towards the adoption of QCOs. 

Goyal appealed to the Indian industry to work with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to formulate standards for products which are presently not covered under these standards, so that these can also be brought under QCOs after 6 months of the notification of these standards.

The Minister announced that BIS will reduce testing charges for the footwear products under the QCOs by 80 per cent for the certified start-ups and micro industrial units.

Mr Goyal also made an important announcement that from next Monday i.e. June 19, 2023, BIS will dedicate one hour on every working day for interaction through video conference facility. Director General, BIS, Pramod Kumar Tiwari was asked to give wide publicity to this arrangement and ensure that queries or complaints are duly registered and promptly responded to.

The minister appealed to the Indian industry to effectively implement these QCOs and manufacture and supply good-quality footwear as prescribed in Indian standards to consumers. He emphasised that quality and consumers play an important role in driving economic growth of the country. He urged all stakeholders to work together towards strengthening the quality ecosystem in the country and meeting consumer needs.