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Sat Sep 27, 2025
The government has given you some extra breathing room, and if you’re dealing with refined nickel, zinc, or primary lead, you probably just sighed in relief.
The much-talked-about Quality Control Order (QCO), which was supposed to take effect in October 2025, has now been pushed to April 17, 2026.
That means you have more time to understand what’s coming, prepare your systems, and ensure that when the rule finally lands, you’re not running around in panic. But what does this extension really mean for your business? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s start with the basics. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is like the referee in a game where the players are manufacturers, importers, and brand owners.
Its job is to ensure everyone is following the same rules so that the final products reaching customers are safe, reliable, and of good quality. The QCO is essentially the rulebook—think of it as BIS telling you: “If you want to sell or import metals like nickel, zinc, or lead, you need to play by these rules.”
Now, quality norms are not here to make your life difficult. They are here to protect both businesses and consumers. Imagine a scenario where everyone just sells whatever quality they feel like—chaos, right? Standards help prevent that chaos.
By complying with BIS quality norms, you ensure that your products not only meet legal requirements but also earn a reputation for reliability. And let’s be honest—nobody wants their customer to say, “This metal doesn’t look right.”
The extension of the QCO deadline has a very specific impact on importers and exporters. If you’re importing refined nickel, zinc, or primary lead, you’ve been given a small holiday before things get stricter.
Until April 2026, you can continue with business as usual, but after that date, you’ll need a BIS license to bring these metals into India. For exporters, the story is slightly different but equally important.
Global buyers are increasingly paying attention to whether the products they purchase meet recognized quality standards. By aligning with BIS norms now, you put yourself in a stronger position for the future.
Think of it as upgrading your passport—you don’t need it immediately, but when the time comes, you’ll be grateful you did it early. This also affects your supply chain.
If your suppliers aren’t ready for BIS certification, you might find yourself scrambling for compliant sources later. So even though the deadline has moved, the smartest move is to use this window wisely.
Deadlines can sound scary, especially when they involve government rules and certifications. But let’s simplify this. Originally, the QCO was supposed to hit you in October 2025, which was not too far away. The extension pushes the timeline to April 2026, which gives you roughly six extra months to prepare.
Six months may sound like a lot of time, but you know how time flies in business. One minute it’s September, and the next thing you know, April is knocking on your door. That’s why it’s important to look at this extension as a chance to create a compliance plan rather than a reason to relax.
Think of it like preparing for a big exam. You can either cram everything the night before or start reviewing slowly and confidently now. Spoiler alert: the second option is way less stressful.
So, how do you make sure you’re not caught off guard when April 2026 rolls around? Here are a few tips you can start following today:
Using this time wisely will not only save you headaches in the future but might also give you a competitive edge. When others are panicking about certification in 2026, you’ll be the one sipping your coffee, knowing your licenses are already in place.
The QCO extension isn’t just a delay—it’s an opportunity. You have more time to prepare, but don’t let that lull you into complacency. Use the extension to understand BIS norms, secure your supply chain, and get your compliance game plan in order. When April 2026 arrives, you’ll thank yourself for not wasting these precious extra months. After all, business is about staying one step ahead. And in this case, staying ahead means being ready for the QCO before the referee blows the whistle.
Rego Services Pvt. Ltd.
Educator in product certification for Indian and global markets.
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