The Ministry of Textiles has announced an extension to the compliance deadline for its Quality Control Order (QCO) for medical textiles, specifically addressing the needs of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This notification was published on January 2, 2025.
The Medical Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2024, aims to ensure the safety and efficacy of critical medical textile products through stringent quality standards, testing protocols, and labeling requirements.
Recognizing the potential challenges faced by SMEs in implementing these new regulations, the Ministry has granted an additional extension until April 1, 2025, for compliance with the QCO. This extension specifically applies to three items listed under Schedule A of the order:
- Sanitary napkins
- Baby diapers
- Reusable sanitary pads/sanitary napkins/period panties
This extension provides crucial additional time for SMEs to adapt their manufacturing processes and ensure their products meet the required standards without undue disruption to their operations.
It is pertinent to note that this compliance deadline for Quality Control Order (QCO) for medical textiles for Large and Medium Enterprises is fixed as January 1, 2025.
Legacy Stock Transition Period Announced
In addition to the SME extension, the Ministry has also announced a six-month transition period, ending June 30, 2025, for all manufacturers and importers to clear their existing legacy stock. This measure will enable the industry to gradually transition to the new quality standards and avoid significant financial losses due to unsold inventory.
The Ministry of Textiles emphasized that these measures are designed to enhance safety, improve efficacy, and boost confidence among both the healthcare industry and end consumers. By implementing robust quality control measures, the Ministry aims to ensure that medical textiles used in India meet the highest standards of safety and performance.
