Quality Control Orders : QCOs
Recently the World Trade Organization (WTO) has been concerned with the domestic quality control measures of the member countries.
As with Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom and the European Union, India’s Quality Control Orders (QCOs) appear to be oriented towards protectionism.
They also say that these measures of India are probably not in line with the Agreement on Technical Barriers.
Agreement on Technical Barriers
- The agreement often provides regulations on packaging and labeling requirements to be followed in the course of trade, such as technical standards and environmental quality standards.
- WTO stipulates that member countries shall not create unnecessary barriers to international trade while complying with the above regulations.
- The agreement has harmonized international trade standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures.
Quality Control Orders (QCOs)
- Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the certification authority for QCOs.
- The main objective of QCO is to control the import of substandard and very cheap goods. Also, it is to ensure that the customers get quality products.
- These standards apply to international products as well as domestic products.
India’s Stand:
- India says that all its product standards orders are fully compliant with WTO norms. It also argues that all countries have their own standards to ensure the safety of the goods they consume.
- Even though there are international standards, each country may have its own standards.
World Trade Organization (WTO)
- It is the only global international organization governing the rules of trade between nations.
- 98% of the world’s trade comes under the purview of this organization.
- Its ministerial conference is held every 2 years.
- General Council- It is the apex body which takes day-to-day decisions.
- India is also a member of this organization.
- The headquarters of the World Trade Organization is in Geneva.
Source – Economics Times
