Govt Lifts Import Curbs, Textile Makers Cheer Cheaper Raw Materials

On November 14, 2025, the Indian government announced the withdrawal of quality control orders (QCOs) for 14 key raw materials, a decision that is set to significantly benefit the country's textile industry. The QCOs, issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), had previously subjected manufacturers and importers of these goods to certain quality standards, which in turn raised costs that were passed on to downstream industries.

The move comes after a Niti Aayog committee recommended relaxing the QCOs, which were seen as a burden, particularly for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that import these materials in large quantities. The withdrawal is expected to make raw materials like polyester, polypropylene, and PVC more accessible and affordable for textile makers, improving their cost competitiveness and export potential.

However, the relaxation may also impact domestic petrochemical firms like Reliance Industries, Indian Oil, and the Aditya Birla Group, which could face increased competition from imported materials. Industry experts believe the decision marks a shift in India's approach to quality regulation, providing more flexibility for manufacturers to build testing capacity and transition smoothly without disrupting production or export timelines.

The textile industry has welcomed the move, with the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) stating that the withdrawal "comes as a great relief" and will act as a "huge confidence-booster" for the sector. The decision is seen as a significant step in addressing the long-standing concerns of textile makers, who have been seeking easier access to raw materials at globally competitive prices.