India Eases Market Controls and Reopens Visas to Chinese Citizens
Recently, following the full resumption of tourist visa issuance to Chinese citizens, relevant Indian government departments have issued a series of notices revoking Quality Control Orders (QCOs) covering 21 categories of chemicals, polymers, and metallic materials. The adjustments span multiple industrial sectors, including chemicals, textiles, plastics, and metals. In parallel, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has resumed processing applications for foreign manufacturer certification. Together, these measures signal India’s renewed openness to international business activity and a significant step towards industrial liberalisation and regulatory relaxation.
Visa and Direct Flight Resumption
For several years, in-person business engagement in India was extremely difficult due to restricted visa issuance. Tourist visas were unattainable, and even business visas were hard to secure.
On 22 November, after a five-year suspension, the Indian government announced the full resumption of tourist visa services for Chinese citizens, with notifications issued to all embassies and consulates globally to restore processing. Direct air connectivity between China and India is also gradually recovering: following IndiGo’s launch of the Kolkata–Guangzhou route, additional flight routes are entering coordinated restart arrangements.
21 Industrial Products Exempted from QCOs
In recent days, Indian government departments have released consecutive notices announcing the cancellation of QCOs for 21 chemical substances, polymers, and metallic materials. The policy shift is regarded as a major regulatory adjustment aimed at simplifying administrative oversight and improving industrial operational efficiency. Downstream industries expected to benefit include packaging, textiles, plastics moulding, metal processing, and electronics manufacturing.
On 12 November 2025, the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) revoked QCOs for 14 chemical and polymer materials:
• Chemicals (2 types): Terephthalic Acid; Ethylene Glycol
• Polymers & Plastics (7 types): Polypropylene (PP) moulded/extruded materials; Polyethylene (PE) moulded/extruded materials; Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) homopolymer; Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS); Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) copolymer; Polycarbonate; Polyurethane
•Fibres & Yarns (5 types): 100% Polyester Spun Yarn (Grey Yarn); Polyester Industrial Yarn (IDY); Polyester Staple Fibre (PSF); Polyester Continuous Filament Fully Drawn Yarn; Polyester Partially Oriented Yarn
On 13 November 2025, the Ministry of Mines revoked QCOs for seven metallic materials:
• Metals (7 types): Refined Zinc; Primary Lead; Refined Nickel; Tin Ingot; Nickel; Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys; Copper
Further QCO adjustments are expected to follow, potentially extending to additional sectors such as chemicals, plastics, textiles, metals, and steel.
Resumption of Foreign Manufacturer Certification
After nearly five years of suspension, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has resumed acceptance and processing of certification applications from foreign manufacturers. This includes the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), ISI Mark certification, and the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). Although no formal notice has been published on the BIS website, multiple sources confirm implementation has commenced.
• ISI Mark: Covers traditional industrial products such as building materials and home appliances; requires BIS factory inspection and ongoing supervision.
• CRS Registration: Applies to electronic and IT equipment; does not require factory inspection but requires testing through Indian-accredited laboratories.
Chinese enterprises are required to apply through an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR). Testing may be performed in CNAS-accredited laboratories, although some products (e.g., lithium batteries) must undergo testing in India.
This development enables overseas manufacturers of consumer electronics, mobile phones, household appliances, and other regulated goods to regain direct access to submit certification applications without relying solely on local intermediaries. The policy is expected to reduce compliance costs and processing timelines while enhancing market entry efficiency.