Ministry of Textiles Withdraws Cotton Bales QCO

The Indian Ministry of Textiles posted a notice on June 9, 2026, stating that the Cotton Bales Quality Control Order will no longer apply to India’s cotton industry. The Cotton Bales QCO was instituted in 2023 to set standards for the quality and standardisation of cotton bales produced and distributed within India.

As this change is necessary in the public interest, it was made following consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This action is historic because, for more than 3 years, it has been governed by a quality-compliance framework for cotton bales. The impact of this decision is significant for all parties involved (i.e., manufacturers, importers, and traders), and there are many changes to be aware of related to the BIS compliance process.

What Was the Cotton Bales Quality Control Order?

The Cotton Bales Quality Control Final Order ("the order") established mandatory compliance with Bureau of Indian Standards registration for all manufacturers and importers of cotton bales, effective 28 February 2023. Only cotton bales produced, imported, or sold in India will comply with BIS requirements.  The Government subsequently amended the Cotton Bales order in 2023, 2024 and 2025. According to the last BIS QCO Update, the BIS Certification for Cotton Bales Extended date was the 27th day of August, 2026. However, before the QCO came into effect, it was withdrawn by the government.

What's changed in the recent update of the 2026 Compulsory Registration Scheme-II? 

The Government of India has announced that the Cotton Bales Quality Control Order has been totally withdrawn; there is no longer a mandatory BIS Certification for cotton bales requirement for cotton bales. Therefore, manufacturers/traders of cotton bales are not required to comply with the outdated order. The cancellation of the Cotton Bales Quality Control Order will take effect immediately, on 9 June 2026, for cotton bales in India.

Why Did the Government Withdraw the Cotton Bales QCO?

No, this notification includes a standard saving clause covering things done or omitted before such rescission. In simple terms, this means:

• Businesses no longer have to comply with the strict BIS rules for cotton bales.
• The withdrawal reduces compliance with regulatory procedures, making it easier for businesses.
• To reduce registration and Administrative Costs 
• Businesses need to maintain product quality even in the absence of mandatory BIS rules.
• The government has responded to feedback and Industry concerns about the QCO.

Does the Withdrawal Affect Past Compliance?

No, this notification includes a standard saving clause covering things done or omitted before such rescission. In simple terms, this means:

• All products imported before this action was taken on 9 June are still subject to BIS rules.
• Authorities can still take action against products that were non-compliant before the withdrawal date. 
• The cancellation of the order does not cancel past responsibilities or proceedings of the manufacturer.

Impact of the Withdrawal on Cotton Bales Manufacturers and Traders

Below, you can go through the major impacts on domestic and foreign manufacturers of the Cotton bales regulatory update in India:

BIS QCO withdrawal impact on manufacturers

• Manufacturers no longer need to comply with the mandatory BIS registration under this QCO.
• Reduced compliance costs.
• Producing and supplying cotton bales becomes easier

Impact on Traders and Exporters

• Buying or acquiring cotton bales becomes simpler.
• Fewer regulatory obligations need to be followed.
• Reduction in registration-related delays.

Impact on Importers

• Imports of cotton bales brought to India no longer need to meet BIS rules.

Timeline of the Cotton Bales Quality Control Order

The principal Order was published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, and its timeline includes:

Conclusion

By withdrawing the Cotton Bales Quality Control Order (QCO) of 2023, the Indian government has made a significant change to assist manufacturers, traders, and importers by easing the compliance burden across the Indian cotton industry and enabling continued operations. ERCS Private Limited has extensive experience providing expert assistance with BIS registration, QCO compliance, regulatory changes, filing registration applications, and interacting with and coordinating with the government.