In the first phase, the Ministry of Textiles introduced QCOs for six items in the category of medical textiles and twenty items in agro-textiles. These regulations have gone through a complex process, including stakeholder consultation and legal review, to ensure they meet the highest standards. According to the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, these QCOs are designed to enhance the overall quality of textiles in these sectors.
QCO for Medical Textiles comprises a diverse range of products essential for healthcare and hygiene. These include: sanitary napkins, shoe covers, dental bibs/napkins, disposable baby diapers, reusable sanitary pads/sanitary napkins/period panties, bed sheets and pillow covers.
An important feature of this QCO is that self-help groups (SHGs) have been exempted from compliance, especially for essential products such as sanitary napkins, baby diapers, and reusable sanitary pads/sanitary napkins/period panties. . The initiative aims to promote small-scale production and empower local communities.
For Micro and Small Enterprises (SMEs) engaged in the manufacture of sanitary napkins, baby diapers, and reusable sanitary pads/sanitary napkins/period panties, the QCO will come into effect from October 1, 2024. For other items of medical textiles and general industry, it will come into force from 1 April 2024.
These QCOs are equally applicable to domestic manufacturers and foreign manufacturers who wish to export their products to India. The Government of India aims to raise the standard and quality of agro-textiles and medical textiles in the interest of public health and welfare.
Agro Textile QCO is effective from 1st April 2024. It is of great importance to the agricultural community, aiming to raise the quality and efficiency of agro-textile products. This will ensure that farmers have access to reliable and sustainable solutions for their agricultural needs, which will ultimately benefit India’s agriculture sector. It includes a wide range of products designed to enhance agricultural and horticultural practices including:
-
Textiles for Agricultural and Horticultural Applications—Polypropylene Spun Bonded Nonwoven Crop Covers and Fruit Skirting Bags
-
Agrotextiles – Windshield nets for agricultural and horticultural purposes
-
Agrotextiles – Insect nets for agricultural and horticultural purposes
-
Agrotextiles—harvest nets for agricultural and horticultural purposes
-
Agrotextiles – Woven ground covers for horticultural application
-
Agrotextiles—Fencing nets for agricultural and horticultural purposes—Specifications Part 1 Fencing nets made of extruded polymer mesh
-
Jute agro-textiles for plant growth and weed suppression
-
Agrotextiles — Fencing nets for agricultural and horticultural purposes — Specification Part 2 Fencing nets made of monofilament yarn and combinations of tape and monofilament yarn
-
Agricultural textiles — high density polyethylene (HDPE) woven bedding for vermiculture
-
Agrotextiles – Plant support nets for agricultural and horticultural purposes
-
Jute Agro – Textile – Seedling bags for seed / plant growth
-
Agrotextiles – high density
-
Polyethylene (HDPE) Laminated Von Lee Flat Tubes and Fittings for Use in Rain Irrigation Systems
-
Agrotextiles — High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Laminated Woven Flat Tubes for Irrigation Purposes
-
AGRICULTURAL TEXTILE FLEXIBLE WATER STORAGE TANK FOR AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL PURPOSES
-
Agrotextiles – Nylon woven smooth gloves for tobacco harvesters
-
Agricultural textile heel protection nets for agricultural and horticultural purposes
-
Agrotextile High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) laminated woven flat tubes for use in mains and sub-mains of drip irrigation systems.
-
Agro—Specification for textile heel protection nets for agricultural and horticultural purposes Part 2 Woven heel protection nets
-
Agrotextiles — Propylene spunbonded non-woven mulch mats for agricultural and horticultural use.
-
Agrotextile laminated woven garden protection covers.
These QCOs play an important role in protecting the interests of consumers and in the development of the technical textile sector. They are designed to provide the best value to consumers and end users while promoting Indian product quality that is at par with global standards.
In the first phase, two QCOs were issued for 19 items of geotextiles and 12 items of protective textiles, effective from October 7, 2023. Looking ahead, approximately 30 more technical textile items are expected to be considered in Phase III. To issue potential QCOs, including building textiles, industrial textiles, ropes, and cordages.
First Published: 30 Sep 2023, 07:49 IST