The Quality Council of India (QCI) is an autonomous body under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Recently, it hosted the 3rd International Convention on Sustainable Trade and Standards (ICSTS) in New Delhi. The two-day convention was co-organized by the India National Platform on Private Sustainability Standards (India PSS Platform) and the United Nations Forum on Sustainability Standards (UNFSS). It aimed to shed light on the challenges and opportunities posed by voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) and their role in enhancing global value chains.
Key Takeaways from the ICSTS
The QCI signed a bilateral agreement with the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) during the ICSTS, cementing trade relations and harmonizing standards to promote a global trade landscape. The council also highlighted its joint initiative with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), which aims to revolutionize e-commerce in India by aligning with international standards to ensure data security and trust.
Additionally, the ICSTS saw a comparison of India’s Good Agricultural Practices(IndG.AP.) standards with GLOBAL Good Agricultural Practices(GLOBALG.A.P.) standards through the National Technical Working Group (NTWG). This comparison is intended to align Indian agricultural practices with global standards and benefit around 12,000 farmers by assuring international quality and sustainability standards.
About the Stakeholders
The India National Platform on Private Sustainability Standards (INPPSS) is an initiative overseen by the QCI. It facilitates dialogue between public and private stakeholders on sustainable development and market access opportunities.
The UNFSS is coordinated by five UN agencies and promotes the use of voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). It organizes events, produces reports, and provides technical support on VSS-related matters.
The IndG.AP. is a QCI certification scheme promoting safe and quality agricultural products in India. It covers various aspects of farming such as soil, water, crop health, environmental protection, worker welfare, and food safety.
The GLOBALG.A.P. is an internationally recognized standard ensuring quality management, safety, and traceability in the growth of plants, vegetables, tubers, fruits, poultry, cattle, and aquatic products.
The NTWG bridges the gap between global and local issues by identifying adaptation and application challenges at a national level and developing National Interpretation Guidelines (NIGs).
The Role and Contributions of QCI
Initiated in 1997, the QCI is a non-profit organization registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860. Established by the Government of India and the Indian Industry, represented by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), it aims to promote and enhance standards across various sectors in India.
The QCI is responsible for accreditation, certification, and quality promotion in India. It is governed by a council of 39 members, including the Chairperson and Secretary General. The council has equal representation from the Government, Industry and other stakeholders. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has been designated as the nodal point for all matters connected with quality. QCI structures and helps implement cabinet decisions related to quality.