GTRI calls for review of quality control orders to ease trade barriers

Economic think tank GTRI on Sunday called for review of quality control orders (QCOs) to ensure that these norms protect consumers without becoming import restrictions or licensing barriers.

Mandatory quality certification under these orders raises costs, hurts MSMEs and makes goods more expensive, the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said.

It added that if other countries adopt similar orders, Indian exporters could be forced to obtain separate country-specific certifications even when their products already meet recognised international standards, and bear huge travelling and per-diem costs for visiting officers, licensing, renewal and testing fees.

This would raise export costs, delay shipments and create new barriers to trade, GTRI Founder Ajay Srivastava said.

"A top-level review is needed to ensure that QCOs protect consumers without becoming import restrictions or licensing barriers.

Without wider reform, the system risks weakening MSMEs, raising prices and discouragi