The Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, has rolled back the Quality Control Order (QCO) on textile machinery to September 2026. Originally slated to start in August 2025, the delay was announced following sustained requests by textile industry stakeholders.
The QCO identifying and defining compliance requirements for weaving and embroidery machines (including assemblies and also sub-assemblies) was originally published as part of the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order on 28th August, 2024.
Industry organisations, including the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), were large advocates for the retraction of the QCO. Former SGCCI president Vijay Mevawala emphatically stated that the delay was a “positive step” and will contribute to ongoing growth in the textile sector. Current SGCCI president Nikhil Madrasi is more personal, seeing a delay of the QCO as compliant to the ‘Make in India’ initiative as a way to increase the overall production capacity of Indian manufacturers and advance an expanded localisation agenda.
Leaders from SGCCI, including Vice-president Ashok Jirawala and previous President Ashish Guja, had recently met with Union Minister for Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy in Delhi and brought the Surat MMF hub (man-made fibre) annual imports of 2,500-4,000 high-speed machines, many of which are not made in India.
Because investments in the MMF sector are in advanced waterjet, airjet, and rapier machines, the MMF sector requested more time for local manufacturing competitiveness. The Centre’s decision is a timely way of providing relief for the sector so it can adapt without inducing disruption.
