Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026: A Guide for Importers, Manufacturers & Brand Owners

On 25 June 2026, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) issued the Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026 under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016. Along with the Order, DPIIT has also released detailed guidelines explaining how businesses can apply and comply with the new framework.

This Order is particularly relevant for businesses dealing in products such as toys, footwear, air conditioners, domestic electrical appliances, hinges, and furniture, where BIS certification is mandatory under existing Quality Control Orders (QCOs).

Let's understand what this means for businesses.

1. Why Was This Order Introduced?

Many products in India can only be manufactured, imported, sold, or distributed if they comply with the applicable Indian Standard and carry the ISI Mark.

Earlier, manufacturers had to obtain certification under BIS Scheme I, which involves:

• Factory inspection by BIS

• Product testing

• Assessment of manufacturing facilities

• Grant of licence before production or import

While Scheme I ensures product quality and safety, the certification process often takes time and can delay imports, production, and supply chains.

To address these challenges, the Government introduced the Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026.

The Order provides an alternative compliance route by allowing eligible businesses or their suppliers to obtain BIS registration under Scheme II.

The Scheme II allows faster and simpler process of getting certification with lesser compliance requirement such as no factory inspection.

2. How Long Is the Order Valid?

The Order is not permanent.

• The Order will remain in force for 5 years from 25 June 2026, unless withdrawn or extended earlier.

• Businesses can submit applications only within 24 months from the commencement of the Order.

• Approval granted by DPIIT is not indefinite. Each approval letter specifies:

  • Approved products

  • Quantity limits

  • Validity period

  • Approved manufacturers

  • Reporting requirements

  • Implementation milestones

Permissions are also reviewed annually and may be withdrawn for non-compliance.

3. Who Can Apply?

Only a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 can apply.

The applicant may be:

• Importer

• Brand owner

• Assembler

• Indian supply chain company

The applicant is not required to be the manufacturer.

4. Eligibility Criteria

An applicant must satisfy at least one of the following conditions:

Option 1 – Develop Manufacturing in India

The company plans to establish or expand its own manufacturing or assembly operations in India.

Option 2 – Contract Manufacturing

The company proposes to manufacture through an Indian contract manufacturer.

Option 3 – Good Compliance History

The company has successfully complied with the applicable QCO continuously for the last three years.

5. Which Products Are Covered?

The Order currently applies to the following Quality Control Orders:

Product	Implementation Date
Toys	1 January 2021
PPE Footwear	1 January 2022
Air Conditioners and Related Parts	1 October 2023
Rubber & Polymeric Footwear	1 August 2024
Leather Footwear	1 August 2024
Domestic Water Heaters	1 March 2025
Domestic Washing Machines	1 April 2025
Hinges	1 July 2025
Furniture	13 February 2026
Household & Commercial Electrical Appliances	1 October 2026

Important: This Order does not postpone or modify any existing QCO. It only provides an alternative compliance mechanism for eligible businesses.

6. Benefits for Businesses

For Importers and Brand Owners

The Order offers several practical benefits:

• Access to a wider supplier base

• Ability to source from suppliers registered under Scheme II

• Reduced dependence on Scheme I-certified manufacturers

• Lower risk of supply chain disruptions

• Easier onboarding of new suppliers

For Manufacturers

Manufacturers benefit from:

• Faster BIS registration process

• No prior factory inspection

• Compliance based on:

  • Third-party laboratory test reports

  • Self-declarations

  • Legal undertakings

This allows manufacturers to continue supplying products while working towards full Scheme I certification.

Overall Industry Benefits

The Order also aims to:

• Encourage global manufacturers to invest in India

• Promote technology transfer

• Strengthen domestic manufacturing

• Support design and R&D activities

• Improve ease of doing business

• Build resilient supply chains

7. How to Apply?

Applications must be submitted in the prescribed Form (Annexure A) along with all supporting documents.

Important Points

• All supporting documents must be self-attested.

• Information submitted should be approved by the Board of Directors of the applicant company (or the relevant parent/group company where applicable).

Mode of Application

• Once available, applications will be filed online through the National Single Window System (NSWS).

• Until then, applications must be submitted physically to the Joint Secretary/Director, DPIIT.

Conclusion

The Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026 is a significant step towards balancing product quality with ease of doing business.

Instead of waiting for the lengthy Scheme I certification, eligible businesses can temporarily use the Scheme II registration route, enabling smoother imports and uninterrupted supply while continuing to meet India's quality standards.