Kolkata, New Delhi, INDIA. New York, USA.
Business To Business, New Delhi, 24th July, 2026: India's Quality Control Orders (QCOs) are aimed at achieving legitimate public policy objectives and are consistent with the country's regulatory priorities, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal said on Thursday.
Speaking at the Eighth Trade Policy Review of India at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, Agarwal said the quality standards are intended to protect consumer interests and uphold broader public policy objectives.
Addressing concerns raised by some WTO member countries over India's QCO regime, he said the measures are designed to ensure product quality and safety rather than create unnecessary barriers to trade.
Agarwal also defended India's trade remedy framework, stating that investigations are conducted in a transparent manner based on objective evidence, due process, and judicial oversight.
His remarks came amid continued scrutiny by certain WTO members regarding India's increasing use of Quality Control Orders as part of its regulatory framework.