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EU pursues streamlined quality certification procedures within proposed trade agreement

EU endeavors for streamlined certification under India's Quality Control Orders (QCOs) during Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. India considers accepting online applications and recognition of EU Conformity Assessment Bodies (CAB). Five FTA chapters are completed; both parties aim to...

During Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, the European Union endeavors to streamline...
During Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, the European Union endeavors to streamline certification procedures under India's Quality Control Orders (QCOs). Potential modifications include online applications and recognition of EU Conformity Assessment Bodies (CAB) accreditation. Five FTA chapters have been concluded, and both parties strive to seal the deal by the end of 2025, enhancing India's privileged access to the European market.

The EU Pursues a Simplified Certification Process Under India's Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for FTAs

EU pursues streamlined quality certification procedures within proposed trade agreement

The European Union (EU) is eyeing a less complex certification process under India's Quality Control Orders (QCOs) during the free trade agreement (FTA) talks. Potential changes could involve enabling online applications and acknowledging EU Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs). Five out of the 23 FTA chapters are now concluded, with both parties aiming to seal the deal by the end of 2025, boasting improved India-Europe trade relations.

During the 11th round of negotiations, India cleared up some procedural aspects and suggested areas for potential improvements in the QCO certification process. The issue was discussed for the first time, with no formal text-based discussions held.

EU's Certification Process: An Overview

Currently, specific products regulated by India's QCOs need a certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This requires product testing, factory audits, and adherence to Indian standards. Foreign manufacturers must also appoint an Indian Representative to handle documentation and act as a liaison with BIS. The process culminates with a factory audit by BIS inspectors, product testing at BIS-approved laboratories, and issuance of a license or Certificate of Conformity (CoC) once compliance is confirmed.

EU Proposals and Advancements

The EU has formally pressed for improvements in the QCO certification process for EU products entering India. Suggestions include streamlining the online application and accreditation of EU Conformity Assessment Bodies to expedite certification and market access for EU enterprises. Discussions about these reforms took place during the 5 recently concluded chapters, which covered topics like intellectual property, customs, and trade facilitation.

A Look Ahead at FTA Talks

The 12th round of negotiations is set to take place in Brussels in July. In the interim, both parties will engage intensely on various topics virtually or in person. With the 2025-end deadline rapidly approaching, both India and the EU are eager to finalize the FTA to grant India increased preferential access to the EU market.

A Seamless Future for Trade

The primary objective of the FTA is to ensure meaningful access to markets for goods, services, and investments. By streamlining and digitalizing certification processes, like QCOs, both countries aim to reduce trade barriers and make trade easier for all parties involved. This new era of regulatory cooperation could establish a precedent for ongoing trade agreements.

  1. The European Union (EU) has formally proposed improvements in theQCO certification process, advocating for streamlining online applications and acknowledging EU Conformity Assessment Bodies to expedite certification and market access for EU enterprises.
  2. As the 12th round of negotiations approaches in Brussels, both India and the EU are eager to digitalize certification processes, such as QCOs, to reduce trade barriers and facilitate meaningful access to markets for goods, services, and investments.
  3. In the context of DeFi (Decentralized Finance), the simplified certification process under India's Quality Control Orders (QCOs) during the free trade agreement (FTA) talks might pave the way for new business opportunities and integrated financial systems between India and the EU.

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