Relaxation in Applicability of Certain Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to Micro Enterprises

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has granted a relaxation to micro enterprises from the mandatory compliance requirements prescribed under certain Quality Control Orders (QCOs). Under these QCOs, it is generally required that products covered under the respective orders must conform to the applicable Indian Standards and bear the BIS Standard Mark under a valid licence.

However, considering the operational and compliance challenges faced by micro enterprises, such relaxation has been provided.

The relevant Quality Control Orders to which this relaxation applies are as follows:

1. Flame producing Lighters(Quality control ) Order 2023 dated July 2023.
2. Portable waters bottles (Quality Control) order 2024 dated 5th March 2024.
3. Welding Rods and Electrodes(Quality Control) Order, 2023 dated 14th July, 2023.
4. Insulated Flask, Bottles and Containers for Domestic Use (Quality Control) Order, 2024 dated 5th March, 2024
5. Electric Ceiling Type Fans (Quality Control) Order, 2023 dated 9th August, 2023
6. Laboratory Glassware (Quality Control) Order, 2023 dated 1st January, 2024
7. Air Cooler and Air Filters ( Quality Control) Order, 2025 30th January, 2025
8. Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025, dated 13th February, 2025

Vide order dated 12th March 2026, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has granted relaxation to micro enterprises from the applicability of certain Quality Control Orders (QCOs). In terms of the said order, it has been clarified that the provisions contained in the aforesaid Quality Control Orders shall not be applicable to goods or articles manufactured by enterprises registered on the Udyam Portal of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), subject to the condition that the

1. Investment in plant and machinery or equipment, at original cost, does not exceed ₹1 crore and
2. The turnover does not exceed ₹5 core in the preceding financial year As certified by the Chartered Accountant

Accordingly, eligible micro enterprises meeting the above criteria are exempted from the mandatory requirement of compliance with the specified QCOs, including the requirement of obtaining BIS certification for the relevant products.