For importers affected by the recently enacted Quality Control Orders (QCOs), the Indian government has implemented substantial compliance relief. Conditional exemptions have been granted for specific imported commodities where purchase orders were placed before the enforcement of applicable QCOs, according to a notification dated February 12, 2026, issued under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016. 
This update is particularly important for manufacturers, importers, traders, and compliance professionals dealing with regulated products such as aluminium products, electrical appliances, construction materials, footwear, and consumer goods.

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Understanding BIS Quality Control Orders (QCOs)

The Government of India issues Quality Control Orders (QCOs) as regulatory instruments to ensure that certain products meet the required Indian Standards before they are sold or imported into the country. These directives mandate that importers and manufacturers apply the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) on regulated products and receive BIS certification. 
The following are the main goals of QCOs:

• Guaranteeing the quality and safety of the product 
• Defending the interests of customers 
• Avoiding inferior imports 
• Supporting homegrown production with programs like "Made in India" 
• Improving the ability of Indian products to compete globally 

However, when new QCOs are implemented, organisations frequently encounter operational difficulties during the transition phase. Such transitional issues are intended to be addressed in the 2026 announcement. 

The BIS Conditional Import Relief Notification 2026

The Government has granted a conditional exemption for goods covered under specific QCOs where:

1. The purchase order was issued before the QCO implementation date.
2. The Bill of Lading and Bill of Entry are dated on or before 180 days from the QCO implementation date.

As long as importers comply with paperwork requirements, qualified import consignments may be cleared without BIS certification during the designated transitional period. As soon as the notice was published in the Official Gazette, it became operative. 

Key Conditions for Availing the Import Exemption

To be eligible for the exemption, importers must adhere to the stringent procedural requirements:

1. Provide the necessary documents to BIS within the allotted time, which is seven days after the consignment clearance.
2. Documents must be signed by an authorised signatory and presented on the business's letterhead.
3. Among the necessary documents are:

• A copy of the purchase order
• Bill of Entry and Bill of Lading
• Documentation supporting the shipment

The exemption may be denied, and regulatory action may be followed if the required paperwork is not submitted within the allotted period. 

List of Product Categories Covered under the Relief

The notification covers numerous products governed by recent QCOs. Among the main product categories are:

1. Industrial and Metal Products

• Products made of aluminium and its alloys
• V-belts for copper products
• Slides for telescopic drawers
• Hinges

2. Electronic and Electrical Appliances

• Commercial vending and dispensing devices
• Using flashlights
• Electric energizers for fences
• Air filters and air coolers
• Appliances for household washing
• Hair and skin care equipment
• Appliances for water heating
• Electrical appliances for the kitchen
• Fans powered by electricity
• Accessories for electricity 

3. Construction and Building Materials

• Plywood and wooden flush door shutters
• Wood-based boards
• Resin-treated laminates
• Gypsum-based building materials
• Asbestos or fibre cement products

4. Consumer Products

• Footwear (leather, rubber, polymer)
• Laboratory glassware
• Bottled water dispensers
• Drinking water coolers
• Water meters and accessories

These products were notified under various QCOs between 2023 and 2025, with implementation timelines ranging from July 2024 to October 2025. 

Compliance Risks Businesses Should Avoid

Even with the reprieve, businesses need to exercise caution. Typical errors in compliance include:

• Not meeting the seven-day deadline for submitting documentation 
• Shipment documentation that is inaccurate or lacking 
• Misunderstanding the dates of implementation 
• After the exemption period, importing new consignments without BIS certification
• Presuming an automatic exemption without evidence of the timing of the purchase order 

If the exemption requirements are not met, regulatory bodies may confiscate products or impose fines.

Conclusion

In conclusion, for importers facing newly enacted Quality Control Orders, the BIS QCO Conditional Import Relief 2026 offers much-needed transitional assistance. The government has established a balanced approach between economic practicality and regulatory compliance by permitting exemptions for pre-ordered items under some specific circumstances.
In the future, however, businesses must closely follow the certification and documentation schedules. Early adherence to BIS standards remains the most reliable approach to sustained corporate success, especially as India continues to tighten its quality rules.