Quality Control orders for Technical Textiles

In News

• The Ministry of Textiles announced the launch of 02 Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for 31 items consisting of 19 Geo Textiles and 12 Protective Textiles in the Phase-I.
  • QCO was the first technical regulation in the country for technical textile products. 
  • In the second phase, the Ministry plans to issue two more QCOs for 28 items that will cover 22 agro textile products and six medical textile items.

Quality Control Orders (QCOs)

• For ensuring the availability of quality products to consumers, Quality Control Orders (QCOs) are issued by various Ministries/Departments of the Government of India in the exercise of the powers conferred by section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 stipulating conformity of the products to Indian Standards.
• The main aim of the QCO is to control the import of sub-quality and cheaper items and to ensure that customers get quality products.
• QCOs can only be challenged at WTO if they are imposed on grounds of health, safety, environment and deceptive trade practice, or national security.
• BIS certifies it for International and domestic products.

Benefits of QCOs

• To increase the standard and quality of geotextiles and protective Textiles.
• For the protection of the environment, human health, and animal & plant life and health.
• To encourage the growth of this industry in India. 
• To provide best value to the users and end consumers, thereby fostering Indian product quality that is comparable to global standards.

Technical Textiles

• Technical textiles are defined as textile materials and products used primarily for their technical performance and functional properties rather than their aesthetic or decorative characteristics.
• Other terms used for defining technical textiles include industrial textiles, functional textiles, performance textiles,engineering textiles, invisible textiles and hi-tech textiles. Technical textiles are used individually or as a component/part of another product.Technical textiles are used individually to satisfy specific functions such as fire retardant fabric for uniforms of firemen and coated fabric to be used as awnings.

Protective Textile

• Protective Textiles are also known as ProTech, is a kind of technical textile. These textile materials are used to make protective clothing.
• It includes curtains and drapes, upholstered composites used for non-domestic furniture, bullet resistant jackets, and protective clothing for firefighters.  
• It is used to protect human life from hazardous and adverse working conditions.

Source: TH