In a significant move to bolster the textile industry, the Indian Ministry of Textiles has recently announced two groundbreaking Quality Control Orders (QCOs). These orders are set to impact the production and quality of a wide range of textiles, spanning from medical supplies to agro-textile products. Here’s the latest scoop on this development.
What’s in the QCOs?
The first QCO pertains to six crucial medical textile items, including sanitary napkins, shoe covers, dental bib/napkins, disposable baby diapers, reusable sanitary pads, period panties, bed sheets, and pillow covers. The second order covers a whopping 20 agro-textile items, including insect nets, crop covers, fruit skirting bags, and more. These QCOs are designed to enhance the quality and reliability of these essential products.
Effective Date and Exceptions
Both QCOs will officially come into force on April 1, 2024, applying to both domestic and foreign manufacturers. However, in a bid to support small-scale production, the ministry has granted an exemption to self-help groups from the medical textile QCOs. Furthermore, micro and small industries engaged in manufacturing some of these medical textile products will have until October 1 next year to comply with the QCO conformity.
Boosting the Technical Textiles Sector
These QCOs are seen as a pivotal step in nurturing the growth of the technical textiles sector in India. By setting stringent quality standards, they aim to provide consumers with reliable and durable products while also fostering innovation in the industry.
Phased Implementation
This isn’t the end of the road for QCOs in the textile sector. In the first phase, QCOs for 19 geo-textile items and 12 protective textile items will take effect from October 7 this year. Looking ahead, the third phase promises the consideration of around 30 more technical textiles items in various categories like building textiles, industrial textiles, ropes, and cordages, further solidifying India’s position in the global textile market.
The Indian Ministry of Textiles is sending a clear message with these Quality Control Orders: Quality and innovation are at the forefront of India’s textile industry. With these measures in place, the future of Indian textiles looks brighter than ever before. Stay tuned for more updates as these orders come into action and transform the textile landscape in India .