The government-issued Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for various products will protect micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from unfair competition and reduce imports of substandard goods, commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said on Saturday.

“Through these orders, we are supporting the MSMEs,” Goyal said, adding that the government is providing them with time to meet QCO requirements.

Goyal emphasised that MSMEs should not be viewed as merely small enterprises and are vital to the entire industrial ecosystem. They serve as both suppliers and customers for larger industries and contribute to tourism, infrastructure development, and exports.

“Several SMEs have listed on the BSE,” Goyal said.

Under QCOs, products cannot be produced, sold, traded, imported, or stocked unless they bear the Bureau of Indian Standards mark. These orders cover goods such as smart meters, nuts, bolts, and fasteners.