News365 Times | June 11, 2025
In a bold push to accelerate India’s Make in India initiative, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has introduced a new wave of tightened quality control norms for imported goods. These regulations, largely implemented through the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), are aimed at curbing the influx of substandard or non-essential imports and incentivizing domestic production. The move, however, has triggered a wave of concern among global companies, who are calling the measures “bureaucratic hurdles” that threaten their market access and supply chain efficiency in India.
New BIS Mandates in Focus
The recent measures involve a mandatory BIS certification for a wide range of imported consumer goods, industrial materials, and electronic equipment. From toys and air conditioners to chemicals and electronic components, several products now require compliance with Indian quality norms — even if they already adhere to international standards.
The government’s intent is clear: promote domestic manufacturing by limiting reliance on imports, ensure quality for Indian consumers, and gradually turn India into a self-sufficient manufacturing hub.
Global Reactions: Compliance vs. Concern
While several multinationals have started applying for BIS certification, others have expressed apprehension over what they see as red tape, extended lead times, and arbitrary enforcement.
Many global players argue that the sudden imposition of these standards disrupts global supply chains, delays market launches, and creates uncertainty in India’s regulatory landscape. Critics also warn that if not carefully managed, these measures could discourage foreign investment in key sectors.
However, Indian authorities remain firm. In recent statements, Minister Piyush Goyal said,
> “India is not a dumping ground. We welcome foreign companies, but they must align with India’s quality ecosystem. We are raising the bar, and only those who are committed to quality and compliance will thrive here.”
News365 Times Editorial Take: A Welcome Rebalancing**
Mr. Mohan Shukla, *Chairman of the Board of Governors, News365 Times*, offers a strong defense of the new measures:
> “BIS stamping, governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, is a critical tool to ensure Indian consumers receive safe and reliable products. It also puts brakes on unwarranted and unchecked imports that have long undermined Indian manufacturing. These new norms are not anti-trade, but pro-quality. They ensure that what’s sold in India is either made here or meets our sovereign standards.”
He further adds,
> “By demanding higher compliance and aligning imports with Make in India, the government is pushing multinationals to consider manufacturing their products locally. It is a long-overdue structural shift that not only creates jobs but builds India’s industrial strength in the global economy.”
Turning Bureaucracy into Opportunity
While there are challenges in execution, the tightening of import quality norms is a strategic step in reshaping India’s economic identity. As the global trade environment grows increasingly volatile, India’s focus on quality, compliance, and domestic manufacturing offers a path to resilient growth. The balance will be in ensuring that these regulatory measures are implemented transparently and efficiently, so they act as catalysts—not roadblocks—to industrial transformation.
