India's QCI announces quality reforms to simplify import quality check

"The reforms mark a shift from inspection to trust through reduced paperwork, shorter timelines, fewer inspections and a low-friction ecosystem based on higher trust. The assessor pool will be expanded across boards and divisions by lowering entry barriers to bring in young experts and strengthen last-mile reach," the Ministry of Commerce & Industry said in a statement.

The reforms are aimed at having a transformative impact across sectors like micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and manufacturing, it said.

The United States had earlier termed India’s import-quality requirements ‘burdensome’.

The reforms include the unveiling of the Q Mark–Desh ka Haq, a QR-coded mark of quality to enable citizens to know their laboratory, hospital and MSME, ensuring full disclosure and eliminating fake certificates.

QCI also launched Quality Setu, a secure ticket-based system for time-bound grievance redressal and feedback resolution. A single, paperless, modular one-stop accreditation platform will be launched to replace multiple accreditation portals.

Under a QCI-industry partnership, the former will mentor and support tier-II and tier-III suppliers to achieve Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) and Lean certification, making Indian products ready for global standards.

A hundred thousand MSMEs and self-help groups under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative will be trained in quality, packaging and branding next year.

A shop floor best practices playbook for MSMEs will be introduced to familiarise small businesses with global quality practices and strengthen day-to-day shop floor performance.

Fees for ZED and Lean certification will be reduced to ensure affordability, access, quality and recognition for last-mile entrepreneurs.

Accredited certification for indigenously manufactured products will be introduced to enable seamless acceptance of Indian products across global supply chains.

A quality passport for Indian products and services will be launched through globally-aligned National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB)-accredited certifications for faster market access.

Fast-track accreditation of certification bodies will be undertaken for new-age technology areas.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (DS)