What is the Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026?

The Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026 is a new regulatory framework introduced by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016. The Order aims to facilitate compliance for eligible businesses dealing with products covered under selected Quality Control Orders (QCOs) while ensuring that the applicable BIS standards continue to be followed.

It is important to understand that this Order does not introduce any new product standards or replace existing Quality Control Orders. Instead, it establishes a structured permission mechanism through which eligible companies can operate under specified conditions, subject to approval by DPIIT and continued compliance with the applicable BIS requirements.

In simple terms, the Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026 serves as a bridge between regulatory compliance and business continuity. It enables eligible companies to transition smoothly under the notified framework while maintaining product quality, consumer safety, and adherence to Indian Standards.

Why Has the Government Introduced This Order?

The Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026 has been introduced to support businesses during the implementation of selected Quality Control Orders (QCOs) while ensuring that product quality and safety standards remain uncompromised. Through this Order, the Government aims to create a structured and transparent framework that helps eligible companies meet regulatory requirements without disrupting manufacturing and supply chains.

The Order also reflects the Government's broader objective of promoting ease of doing business, strengthening quality compliance, encouraging domestic manufacturing, and building a more resilient industrial ecosystem in India. At the same time, it ensures that products covered under the applicable QCOs continue to comply with the relevant BIS standards.

Key Objectives of the Order

• Facilitate a smooth transition for businesses covered under selected Quality Control Orders (QCOs).
• Ensure continued compliance with the applicable BIS standards and quality requirements.
• Strengthen India's manufacturing and supply chain capabilities.
• Promote transparency through a structured, risk-based approval mechanism.
• Encourage technology adoption, quality assurance, and long-term compliance.
• Protect consumer interests by maintaining product quality and safety.

This balanced approach enables eligible businesses to adapt to the evolving regulatory framework while supporting the Government's vision of improving product quality and strengthening India's compliance ecosystem.

How Does the New Framework Work?

The Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026 introduces a structured approval process through which eligible companies can obtain permission from DPIIT to operate under the transition facilitation framework. The process is based on a risk-based assessment while ensuring continued compliance with the applicable BIS requirements.

The overall framework works as follows:

• Step 1: Check Eligibility:

  The applicant company must meet the eligibility conditions prescribed under the Order and the guidelines issued by DPIIT.

• Step 2: Submit the Application:

  Eligible companies can submit an application to DPIIT along with the required documents within the prescribed application period.

• Step 3: Assessment by the Implementation Committee:

  The Implementation Committee evaluates the applicant based on factors such as technical capability, compliance history, quality assurance systems, and commitment to strengthening India's manufacturing and supply chain ecosystem.

• Step 4: Grant of Permission:

  If the applicant satisfies the prescribed criteria, DPIIT may grant permission under the Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026, subject to specified terms and conditions.

• Step 5: Continued BIS Compliance:

  After receiving permission, businesses must continue to comply with the applicable Indian Standards, Quality Control Orders (QCOs), and other regulatory requirements. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) may also conduct market surveillance to verify ongoing compliance.

Important: India reflects a move towards globally aligned safety requirements. It focuses on identifying potential risks and ensuring product safety through proper design, testing, and compliance.

Assessment Criteria Used by DPIIT

Before granting permission under the Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026, DPIIT evaluates each application through its Implementation Committee. The assessment is based on a risk-based approach to ensure that only eligible and reliable companies are permitted under this framework.

The Committee may assess an applicant on the following key parameters:

• Technical Capability: The company's technical expertise and ability to meet the applicable quality requirements.
• Manufacturing & Quality Control Systems: The effectiveness of quality assurance processes, including control over design and manufacturing.
• Compliance History: The company's past record of complying with applicable Quality Control Orders (QCOs) and other regulatory requirements.
• Supply Chain Capability: The ability to establish and strengthen supply chain capabilities for the relevant products in India.
• Technology & Innovation: Commitment towards technology adoption, product design, research, development, and continuous improvement.
• Integrity & Business Conduct: The applicant's overall compliance culture, reliability, and regulatory track record.
• Other Relevant Factors: TDPIIT may also consider any additional information or supporting documents necessary for a comprehensive evaluation.

Note: The Implementation Committee may review the submitted documents, declarations, certifications, undertakings, and other supporting information before making its recommendation. Based on this assessment, DPIIT decides whether permission should be granted under the Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026.

Key Benefits of the Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026

The Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026 has been introduced to support businesses while maintaining India's quality compliance framework. By creating a structured permission mechanism, the Order benefits both industry stakeholders and the Government by promoting compliance, business continuity, and product quality.

Benefits for Manufacturers and Importers

• Smooth Regulatory Transition: Helps eligible businesses adapt to the applicable Quality Control Orders (QCOs) through a structured transition framework.
• Improved Business Continuity: Reduces the risk of supply chain disruptions while ensuring continued compliance with applicable BIS requirements.
• Transparent Approval Process: Introduces a clear, risk-based assessment mechanism for granting permission under the Order.
• Greater Compliance Confidence: Provides businesses with a defined regulatory pathway while maintaining adherence to Indian Standards.
• Support for Long-Term Manufacturing Growth: Encourages companies to strengthen quality systems, manufacturing capabilities, and supply chain resilience.

Benefits for the Government and Industry

• Strengthens India's Quality Ecosystem: Ensures continued compliance with applicable BIS standards and regulatory requirements.
• Promotes Responsible Manufacturing: Encourages risk-based evaluation, quality assurance, and continuous regulatory monitoring.
• Encourages Technology and Innovation: Supports businesses in improving product quality, manufacturing processes, and operational capabilities.
• Protects Consumer Interests: Helps ensure that products placed in the Indian market continue to comply with the prescribed Indian Standards.
• Supports the 'Make in India' Vision: Encourages stronger domestic manufacturing, supply chain resilience, and sustainable industrial growth.

Note: This balanced approach enables businesses to meet regulatory requirements while contributing to a stronger, more reliable, and globally competitive manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities After Receiving Permission

Obtaining permission under the Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026 is not the final step. Companies must continue to comply with the applicable regulatory requirements throughout the validity of the permission. Failure to meet these obligations may result in suspension or withdrawal of the permission granted by DPIIT.

After receiving permission, businesses are expected to:

• Ensure continued compliance with the applicable Quality Control Orders (QCOs) and relevant Indian Standards.
• Source products only from BIS Scheme-II licensed manufacturers, as permitted under the Order.
• Maintain product quality and safety throughout the manufacturing and supply process.
• Comply with all terms and conditions specified in the permission granted by DPIIT.
• Maintain accurate records and supporting documents related to compliance and product traceability.
• Cooperate with BIS market surveillance and inspections, whenever required.
• Immediately address any non-compliance identified by the competent authorities to ensure continued adherence to the applicable regulations.

Note: Businesses should treat the permission as an ongoing compliance responsibility rather than a one-time approval. Maintaining consistent compliance with the applicable BIS requirements is essential for continuing to operate under the Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026.

Official DPIIT Notification for Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026