In a move that has sparked a heated debate within the Indian textile sector, the government has implemented the Quality Control Order (QCO) on polyester filament yarn, despite previous assurances of deferment. The order, which automatically came into effect due to the absence of a formal deferment notification, aims to improve the quality of textile products but has left industry players divided.
While some segments of the textile sector have welcomed the implementation of the QCO, others have expressed concerns about the government’s leniency towards corporates. The lack of notification for deferment has caught several industry stakeholders off guard, leading to a state of limbo for many businesses.
Manufacturers of polyester fiber and yarn, who have been advocating for restrictions on sub-standard imports, have found relief in this development. They see the QCO as a step towards ensuring higher quality standards and protecting the domestic industry from the influx of lower quality materials.
Interestingly, certain garment and fabric industry bodies have also expressed support for the implementation of the QCO. These organizations believe that the order will help maintain the reputation of Indian textiles by preventing the circulation of inferior products in the market.
The implementation of the QCO on polyester filament yarn follows the government’s earlier decision to postpone its application until the end of June 2023. This means that polyester fiber cannot be produced, imported, stored, or sold without Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) certification, effectively raising the bar for quality control measures.
Industry associations have been proactive in updating their members about the change and have generally welcomed the development. R K Vij, president of The Textile Association (India), issued a letter to its members, emphasizing that the implementation of the QCO on polyester yarn is a welcome step. The association believes that this move will help restrict the import of lower quality materials into the country, thereby benefiting the domestic textile industry.
However, the government’s decision to move forward with the implementation of the QCO has attracted criticism from those who were expecting a deferment. These stakeholders argue that the sudden enforcement has caused uncertainty and could potentially disrupt the supply chain.
As the Indian textile sector grapples with this division of opinions, it remains to be seen how the implementation of the QCO on polyester filament yarn will shape the industry’s future. With proponents emphasizing the need for improved quality control and opponents voicing concerns over the lack of prior notification, the government faces the task of balancing the interests of different stakeholders to ensure a thriving and competitive textile sector in India.