A Bold Step Towards Ease of Compliance: Welcoming the Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026

On 25 June 2026, the Government of India published the Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026 (S.O. 3417(E)), notified by DPIIT under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. At Omega QMS, we have been closely tracking India’s QCO framework since its aggressive expansion began post-2019. We have seen businesses — large and small — grapple with the pace of mandatory BIS certification requirements. That is precisely why today’s announcement deserves not just attention, but genuine appreciation.

This order is a rare example of the government listening to industry and responding with a structured, time-bound solution that upholds quality standards while enabling a smoother transition.

The order applies to goods covered under ten specific Quality Control Orders — ranging from Toys and Footwear to Air Conditioners, Furniture, Hinges, and Electrical Appliances. It creates a formal, structured transition pathway for companies that may not yet have completed the BIS certification process under Scheme-II but can demonstrate credibility, technical competence, and quality commitment.

In essence, the order allows DPIIT to grant specific permission to companies incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013, to use the Standard Mark while supplying goods — provided they are assessed and approved by a high-level Implementation Committee. This is not a relaxation of standards; the goods must still conform to applicable Indian Standards. Rather, it is a managed, accountable transition route for deserving businesses.

The order is issued under Section 16 read with sub-section (3) of Section 25 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, after consulting the Bureau — ensuring full statutory backing and institutional alignment.

The Schedule to the order lists the ten Quality Control Orders to which this transition facilitation applies.

Many businesses — especially those in the furniture, footwear, and electrical appliance segments — found themselves caught between rapidly expanding QCO mandates and the time-consuming process of obtaining BIS licences. Supply disruptions, customer losses, and compliance anxiety were real. The Transition Facilitation Order addresses this head-on, with several thoughtful design elements.

One provision that particularly stands out is the fast-track eligibility route: companies that have complied with the relevant Quality Control Order continuously for three years without any default are explicitly recognised as strong candidates for permission. This rewards businesses that have been doing the right thing — investing in quality compliance — and gives them a clear acknowledgement of their track record.

This sends a powerful message: the government is not just focused on enforcement, but on recognising and rewarding a culture of compliance.

If your company manufactures or imports goods covered under any of the ten QCOs listed in the Schedule — from toys to washing machines, furniture to footwear — and you have faced challenges completing the BIS Scheme-II certification process, this order may open a formal, government-sanctioned route for you to continue operating while your certification is in progress.

India’s Ease of Doing Business journey has made remarkable strides. But ease of compliance with quality standards has sometimes lagged behind. This order is a meaningful step in closing that gap. By creating a formal transition route, establishing clear criteria, and building in safeguards like market surveillance and the ability to withdraw permissions in case of violations, the government has demonstrated that it can design smart regulation.

At Omega QMS, we believe that quality and compliance should be enablers of business — not obstacles. When regulation is designed well, it levels the playing field, protects consumers, and strengthens India’s reputation in global markets. The Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026 does exactly that. We extend our sincere appreciation to DPIIT, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Bureau of Indian Standards for this initiative.

The Transition Facilitation Order opens a door — but walking through it requires preparation, documentation, and a clear understanding of what the Implementation Committee is looking for. Omega QMS has deep, hands-on experience with BIS certification processes, Quality Control Order compliance, and government regulatory frameworks. Our team has guided businesses across toys, footwear, electrical appliances, furniture, and more through the complexities of QCO mandates.