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Quality Control Orders (QCO) Compliance in India
A Quality Control Order (QCO) is a mandatory government directive that requires specific products to carry BIS certification before they can be manufactured, imported, or sold in India. As of 2025, nearly 790 products are covered under QCOs. Non-compliance can mean up to 2 years imprisonment and fines starting at ₹2 lakh: rising to ₹5 lakh for repeat offences. StarQMS helps Indian manufacturers and importers get QCO-compliant, fast.
What is a Quality Control Order (QCO)?
A Quality Control Order (QCO) is a government notification that makes compliance with a specific Indian Standard (IS) legally mandatory for a product category.
Without a QCO, BIS standards are voluntary. Once a QCO is issued, manufacturers, importers, distributors, and even retailers of that product must obtain BIS certification: or face serious legal consequences.
Who issues QCOs?
QCOs are issued by the relevant Ministry or Department of the Central Government under Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016. BIS then acts as the certifying and enforcement authority.
Different ministries issue QCOs for their respective sectors:
- DPIIT (Ministry of Commerce & Industry): toys, furniture, footwear, electrical accessories
- Ministry of Steel: steel and iron products
- Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers: chemicals and petrochemicals
- Ministry of Electronics (MeitY): electronics and IT products
- Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE): solar products
- And several other line ministries
Why is the Government issuing so many QCOs?
The push is driven by three clear goals:
- Consumer safety: keeping substandard and unsafe products off Indian shelves
- Make in India: supporting domestic manufacturers by raising quality standards
- Import substitution: reducing dependence on low-quality imports
The numbers tell the story: QCO coverage grew from fewer than 70 products in 2016 to nearly 790 products by 2025: and the government has targeted over 2,000 products by 2027.
Which Products Are Covered Under QCO in India?
The list is long and growing. Here are the major categories currently under QCO mandates:
| Product Category | Governing Ministry / Department | Certification Required |
|---|---|---|
| Steel & Iron Products | Ministry of Steel | BIS ISI Mark |
| Electronics & Electrical Appliances | MeitY / DPIIT | BIS CRS / ISI Mark |
| Toys | DPIIT | BIS ISI Mark |
| Furniture & Wood Products | DPIIT | BIS ISI Mark |
| Chemicals & Fertilizers | Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers | BIS ISI Mark |
| Footwear | DPIIT | BIS ISI Mark |
| Solar Products | MNRE | BIS ISI Mark |
| Cement | Ministry of Commerce | BIS ISI Mark |
| Medical Textiles | Ministry of Textiles | BIS ISI Mark |
| Machinery & Electrical Equipment | Ministry of Heavy Industries | BIS ISI Mark |
| Cookware & Utensils | DPIIT | BIS ISI Mark |
| Fasteners & Screws | DPIIT | BIS ISI Mark |
| Polymer Products | Dept. of Chemicals & Petrochemicals | BIS ISI Mark |
Not sure if your product is covered? The full list is available on the BIS website. StarQMS can do a quick product-scope check for you: contact us for a free consultation.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply With QCO?
This is where it gets serious. Once a QCO is in force, you cannot legally manufacture, import, store, distribute, or sell the covered product without a valid BIS licence.
The BIS Act, 2016 (Section 29) lays out the penalties clearly:
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| First offence | Imprisonment up to 2 years + fine of minimum ₹2 lakh |
| Second & subsequent offences | Fine of minimum ₹5 lakh, extendable to 10× the value of goods |
| Import without QCO compliance | Customs clearance denied: goods held or destroyed |
| Sale of non-compliant stock | Product seizure by BIS enforcement officers |
The law doesn’t just target manufacturers. Everyone in the supply chain is liable: importers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers.
Don’t wait for enforcement action. BIS officers have the power to search and seize goods without a warrant. A single raid can cost you far more than the certification ever would.
How Does QCO Compliance Work? (Step-by-Step)
Getting QCO-compliant is a structured process. Here’s exactly how it works:
Step 1: Identify if your product falls under a QCO
Check the BIS list of products under compulsory certification. New QCOs are notified in the Gazette of India regularly: so even if your product wasn’t covered last year, it may be now.
Step 2: Identify the right BIS certification scheme
Most QCOs require the ISI Mark (Scheme I). Some electronics products use the CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme). Foreign manufacturers need the FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme). Our BIS Certification service covers all schemes.
Step 3: Get your product tested at a NABL-accredited lab
Your product must be tested against the relevant Indian Standard (IS) at a BIS-recognised, NABL-accredited laboratory. Lab selection matters: wrong lab, wrong tests, and you’re back to square one. Our NABL Testing service connects you directly with the right labs.
Step 4: Apply for a BIS licence
Submit your application to BIS with test reports, factory details, and required documentation. BIS may conduct a factory inspection before granting the licence.
Step 5: Mark your products and maintain compliance
Once licensed, every unit must carry the ISI Mark with your licence number. You’ll also need to maintain records, allow BIS surveillance visits, and renew your licence on time.
The entire process typically takes 3 to 6 months for domestic manufacturers, depending on the product and lab availability. Importers may face longer timelines due to overseas factory inspections.
Why Choose StarQMS for QCO Compliance?
We’ve guided 100+ manufacturers and importers through BIS QCO compliance across India. Here’s what makes us different:
- ✅ End-to-end support: from product scope check to BIS licence in hand
- ✅ NABL lab tie-ups: faster testing turnaround, no lab-hunting on your part
- ✅ Multi-sector expertise: steel, electronics, chemicals, toys, footwear, furniture and more
- ✅ Transparent pricing: fixed fees, no hidden charges, no surprises
- ✅ Deadline tracking: we monitor new QCO notifications so you’re never caught off guard
- ✅ Foreign manufacturer support: FMCS applications handled end-to-end
Don’t let a compliance deadline sneak up on you.
📞 Get a Free QCO Compliance Consultation
Tell us your product and HS code: we’ll tell you exactly what’s required, what it costs, and how long it takes. Contact StarQMS Today →
QCO vs BIS Certification: What’s the Difference?
These two terms are related but not the same thing. Here’s a clear breakdown:
| Aspect | QCO (Quality Control Order) | BIS Certification |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A government mandate / legal order | A certification scheme run by BIS |
| Issued by | Central Government Ministry / Department | Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) |
| Mandatory? | Yes: for all covered products | Yes: required to comply with QCO |
| Who needs it | Manufacturers, importers, distributors, sellers | The manufacturer or importer |
| Penalty for non-compliance | Fines + imprisonment + import ban | Licence cancellation + legal action |
| Applies to imports? | Yes: imports must also comply | Yes: via FMCS for foreign manufacturers |
The short version: A QCO is the law that makes certification mandatory. BIS certification is how you comply with that law.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the full form of QCO?
QCO stands for Quality Control Order. It is a mandatory government notification issued under Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016, that makes BIS certification compulsory for specific product categories.
Q: Is QCO mandatory for all products in India?
No. QCOs apply only to specific notified product categories. However, the list is growing rapidly: from under 70 products in 2016 to nearly 790 by 2025. If your product is on the list, compliance is non-negotiable.
Q: What is the penalty for not following QCO?
Under the BIS Act, 2016, penalties include imprisonment of up to 2 years and a minimum fine of ₹2 lakh for the first offence. Repeat offences attract a minimum fine of ₹5 lakh, which can extend to 10 times the value of the non-compliant goods. Products can also be seized without a warrant.
Q: How long does QCO compliance take?
For domestic manufacturers, the process typically takes 3 to 6 months: covering lab testing, BIS application, factory inspection, and licence issuance. Importers (foreign manufacturers) may take longer due to overseas factory visits by BIS inspectors. Starting early is strongly advised.
Q: Can importers also be affected by QCO?
Yes: absolutely. Imported products covered under a QCO must also carry the BIS Standard Mark. Foreign manufacturers must obtain a BIS licence under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). Without it, customs clearance will be denied.
Q: What is the difference between QCO and BIS certification?
A QCO is the legal order that makes BIS certification mandatory for a product. BIS certification (ISI Mark, CRS, etc.) is the compliance mechanism: the actual licence and mark that proves your product meets the required Indian Standard. You need both: the QCO tells you compliance is required; BIS certification is how you achieve it.
Q: How can StarQMS help with QCO compliance?
StarQMS provides complete QCO compliance support: product scope identification, documentation, NABL lab coordination, BIS application filing, and licence follow-up. We’ve helped 100+ clients across India get certified without delays. Reach out for a free consultation.
