Surat's textile sector rushes to import machinery ahead of new quality control rules

Surat, India's largest man-made fabric (MMF) hub, is witnessing a massive rush in textile machinery imports after the Ministry of Heavy Industries extended the deadline for Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Quality Control Order (QCO) implementation by one year, until September 1, 2026.

- Melvyn Thomas

In July 2025 alone, 7,000 high-speed textile machines worth Rs1,050 crore were imported into Surat. Industry insiders say orders are now surging before Diwali as weaving units look to secure machinery from China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Germany, and Italy before stricter BIS rules come into force.

The Surat industry, which imports 2,500-4,000 advanced machines annually, feared disruptions once BIS certification became mandatory. The extension has temporarily eased concerns.

"This decision has given a big relief to the textile industry and will give a boost to the 'Make in India' initiative," said SGCCI President Nikhil Madrasi, welcoming the move.