The Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, has recently amended the Medical Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2024 (QCO), introducing measures aimed at ensuring compliance while accommodating the needs of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This step aligns with the government’s vision of promoting safety, efficacy, and consumer confidence in critical medical textiles.
Manufacturers have until June 30, 2025, to clear old stock.
These steps aim to balance safety standards with support for smaller businesses.
The amendment, now known as the Medical Textiles (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025, extends the compliance deadline for SMEs to April 1, 2025, for three key items under Schedule A of the order: sanitary napkins, baby diapers, and reusable sanitary products (e.g., pads, period panties). Large and medium enterprises must adhere to the earlier timeline of January 1, 2025.
In a bid to further ease the transition, manufacturers and importers have been granted a six-month period, up to June 30, 2025, to clear their legacy stock of non-compliant products. This provision allows businesses to align operations with the new regulations while minimising disruptions, Ministry of Textiles said in a media release.
The key amendments include the recognition of old stock products manufactured or imported prior to the implementation timelines, provided they are declared under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016 and adjusting the compliance timeline.
The ministry emphasised that these measures underscore its commitment to strengthening quality standards in the medical textile sector. By balancing regulatory enforcement with practical considerations, particularly for smaller players, the government aims to ensure a seamless adoption of stringent testing protocols, labelling, and safety standards.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)