Textile Industry Welcomes Withdrawal Of QCO On Imported Machinery
The textile industry has welcomed the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries’ decision to withdraw its earlier Quality Control Order (QCO) pertaining to machinery and electrical equipment safety, effectively removing quality compliance requirements on imported textile machinery. Industry sources noted that the textile sector is among the largest importers of machinery, particularly from Germany and China, making the move significant for manufacturers and exporters.
The Ministry issued an official notification on January 16, stating: “The Central Government, being of the opinion that it is necessary to do so in the public interest, hereby rescinds the notification, relating to the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024, with immediate effect.” The original order, dated August 24, 2024, was aimed at standardising safety and compliance norms for machinery but did not come into force.
According to government data, textile machinery imports into India rose 32 percent to US$ 5 billion in FY23, highlighting the sector’s heavy reliance on foreign equipment for spinning, processing, knitting and finishing operations. The industry had consistently urged the Centre to withdraw the QCO, arguing that it would disrupt supply chains, increase costs, and delay technology upgrades.
With the order now officially rescinded, the industry expects smoother machinery procurement, quicker modernisation cycles, and reduced compliance burdens. Leaders in the sector have termed the decision a timely intervention that supports competitiveness in domestic and export markets.
