India moves to ease import quality rules as trade talks with US gather pace
New Delhi, January 4. India has announced a set of reforms to simplify its import quality-control regime, responding to long-standing US complaints about what it calls New Delhi’s “burdensome” compliance requirements.
The move comes as India and the US negotiate a broader trade agreement that New Delhi hopes will lead to relief from the 50 percent tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump on some Indian exports over India’s purchases of Russian oil.
In a statement on December 24, the Commerce Ministry said the overhaul will focus on cutting red tape and making it easier for importers to comply with quality regulations. Key changes include less paperwork, faster approvals and fewer physical inspections.
Jaxay Shah, chairman of the Quality Council of India, said the reforms are designed to speed up procedures and make them more transparent by using technology-driven systems.
“They will reduce turnaround times and make quality assurance faster and more accessible for enterprises, institutions and citizens,” he said.
The government added that the new measures aim to streamline the import regime without compromising safety or standards, even as trade negotiations with Washington continue.
