EU Seeks Simplified Certification Under India's QCOs During FTA Talks

The European Union has sought to simplify the certification process under India's Quality Control Orders (QCOs) during the ongoing free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations. This move aims to ease the process of ensuring compliance with QCOs for the EU's exporters to India. In a significant development, India may consider allowing online applications and accreditation of EU Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) to further streamline the certification process.

Key Takeaways:

• The EU has sought simplified certification under India's Quality Control Orders (QCOs) during FTA talks, aiming to ease the process for exporters.
• India may consider allowing online applications and accreditation of EU Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) to further streamline the certification process.
• The Indian government has notified over 187 QCOs covering 769 products since the introduction of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act in 2017.
• The products covered by QCOs must have BIS certification to be sold in India, applying equally to domestic producers and importers.
• Manufacturing facilities must also undergo certification under QCOs.
• Five chapters, including transparency, good regulatory practices, customs, and trade facilitation, along with intellectual property rights, have been concluded in the 11th round of talks.
• The chapters on customs and trade facilitation, and intellectual property rights have seen significant progress.
• The 11th round of talks focused on intellectual property rights, including general provisions, copyright, protection of undisclosed information, and enforcement of intellectual property rights.
• Minister Piyush Goyal has held three meetings with European trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic in the past 40 days to intensify negotiations.
• India and the EU have been negotiating the FTA since 2022, with a 2025-end deadline to conclude the talks.

Statistics:

• Over 187 QCOs covering 769 products have been notified for compulsory certification of BIS by various regulators and ministries since 2017.
• The number of products covered by QCOs has significantly increased since the introduction of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act.
• Five chapters have been concluded in the 11th round of talks, with significant progress in customs and trade facilitation, and intellectual property rights.
• Minister Piyush Goyal has held three meetings with European trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic in the past 40 days, indicating intensified negotiations.

Sources:

• IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd.
• Contify.com