DGFT Notification: New Quality Control Orders for Export Goods 2024

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has increasingly focused on aligning Indian manufacturing with international benchmarks through Quality Control Orders (QCOs). These orders regulate the technical standards of specific goods, ensuring that only high-quality products enter the international market, thereby enhancing the 'Brand India' reputation. As per recent DGFT updates and Ministry mandates, exporters must ensure that products under the QCO regime carry the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mark or equivalent certification where required. While certain exemptions exist for goods intended purely for export, the documentation process has become more rigorous. Navigating these requirements is essential to avoid shipment delays at the customs frontier. ## Key points for exporters - **Mandatory Certification**: Check if your HSN codes fall under recent QCOs issued by the Ministry of Commerce or MeitY. - **Exemption Limits**: Verify if your export-oriented unit (EOU) qualifies for exemptions from domestic QCO standards for raw material imports. - **Documentation**: Ensure all testing reports and BIS licenses are updated on the DGFT portal to facilitate smooth clearance. Compliance with these quality standards not only ensures regulatory adherence but also reduces the risk of rejection in stringent markets like the EU and USA.