QCO norms hurting MSMEs, Aiding Large Firms: FISME Leader

What is the core objective behind introducing Quality Control Orders? Can you also briefly explain what exactly a QCO is? And why did the number of products brought under QCOs rise in 2024? QCOs are effectively non-tariff barriers introduced by the government across sectors ranging from textiles, footwear, plastics and steel, with more than 150 orders only in steel. After the Galwan incident in 2019, the government started introducing many QCOs as a measure to stop imports from China and as a way to boost domestic manufacturing. In short, QCOs are tools that restrict imports from entering the country while…