Can Indian Appliances Compete Globally? Govt Pushes Quality Mandate

At a time when Made in India is steadily becoming more than just a slogan and transforming into a globally respected tag, the Indian government is tightening the screws on quality—this time in the household and commercial electrical appliances space. But as the country races to match international standards, a critical question arises: Is the domestic industry prepared for this quality revolution?

In a high-stakes meeting held recently at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the leadership of Union Minister Piyush Goyal, held a stakeholder consultation on the Horizontal Quality Control Order (QCO) for electrical appliances. This QCO, officially notified on September 20, 2024, aims to regulate the “Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances.”

The session wasn’t just another roundtable. It was a deep dive into the heart of India’s industrial quality ecosystem—what’s working, what isn’t, and what must change if Indian appliances are to not just compete but thrive in international markets.

The Big Picture: Why QCOs Matter

“We are not just setting rules; we are setting benchmarks for the future,” said Piyush Goyal as he addressed industry stakeholders.

Goyal’s message was clear: every Quality Control Order introduced so far has strengthened sectors, helped manufacturers improve, and most importantly, positioned Indian products better in global markets. These mandates are no longer just regulatory obligations—they’re stepping stones toward India’s economic and industrial self-reliance vision under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Backed by support from DPIIT officials and Minister of State Jitin Prasada, the meeting drew in a powerful representation of the ecosystem—industry associations like CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, CEAMA, RAMA, ICEA, IFMA, and SMTA, along with officials from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The message from the top brass was unmistakable: quality is no longer optional—it’s foundational.

Support with a Side of Concern: What Industry is Saying

While the industry, in general, supports the intent of the QCO—ensuring safer, globally compliant products—a number of real-world challenges surfaced during the consultation.

One of the most pressing issues: ambiguity around product inclusion. Stakeholders pointed out that battery-operated and DC-powered appliances fall into a gray area. With the rapid evolution of electronics, this lack of clarity could hinder innovation and disrupt product pipelines.

Other practical concerns included:

• Non-availability of product manuals and accredited labs for testing all 85 appliances listed in the QCO.

• Limited BIS certifications—especially among MSMEs and smaller players, both domestic and international.

• Unrealistic timelines to secure BIS approval before the QCO takes effect.

• Uncertainty around legacy stock and non-compliant items already listed on major e-commerce platforms.

The common thread across all feedback was a call for phased implementation. Industry representatives proposed a more pragmatic rollout—starting with finished goods and eventually expanding to cover components and raw materials. They also advocated aligning the timelines with on-ground manufacturing realities, particularly in light of limited testing infrastructure.

The Government’s Response: Flexibility, Not Rigidity

To the industry’s relief, the government didn’t play hardball.

Piyush Goyal assured stakeholders that the implementation timelines could be reviewed, and the government is open to easing legacy stock issues through practical solutions. More importantly, he urged manufacturers to actively collaborate in establishing state-of-the-art testing facilities—especially in public-funded labs, PSUs, and state institutions.

This approach signals a shift from the top-down model to a more co-creative, partnership-led governance model.

Minister Jitin Prasada reinforced this sentiment: “The Ministry remains firmly committed to a consultative and collaborative approach in implementing QCOs. Together, let us ensure that ‘Made in India’ globally stands for safety, quality, and trust.”

Startups & MSMEs: The Real Test Case

For India’s startups and MSMEs, particularly those operating in electronics and appliance manufacturing, the QCO presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

On one hand, limited access to BIS-accredited labs and cost-prohibitive testing can act as significant hurdles. On the other, once compliance is achieved, these very startups gain entry into global markets where quality standards are non-negotiable.

The DPIIT acknowledged this and has pledged to make the certification and testing processes more accessible and affordable, especially for smaller players. Officials are working closely with BIS to streamline infrastructure gaps and ensure sectoral readiness before the QCO is enforced.

Aatmanirbhar Bharat: From Vision to Execution

The meeting wasn’t just about one notification—it was about setting the tone for the future of Indian manufacturing. By putting quality at the center of growth, the government is laying the groundwork for an India that doesn’t just make in India, but makes it better, safer, and smarter.

This QCO for electrical appliances might just be a spark, but it could ignite a larger transformation. The focus is not on punishing non-compliance but on raising the bar collectively—through policies that protect consumers, empower businesses, and elevate India’s image on the world stage.

As the dust settles on the consultation, one thing is clear: the race for quality is on. And if the government and industry continue to move forward hand-in-hand, the ‘Made in India’ tag might just become the gold standard the world looks up to.