India is planning strict new rules to control the import of low-quality paper, especially from China. The move aims to protect Indian paper manufacturers who are losing business due to cheap and substandard foreign products.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is preparing a Quality Control Order (QCO) for various paper types. This will include writing paper, printing paper, coated paper, and packaging boards. Once the rule comes into effect, all imported paper will need to meet the quality standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Why This Matters
The new QCO will make it compulsory for all imported paper to pass strict quality tests. Without this certification, foreign suppliers will not be allowed to sell their paper in India. According to officials, this will stop the entry of poor-quality products and support Indian paper mills.
Currently, many Indian manufacturers are struggling to compete with low-cost paper coming from countries like China, Indonesia, and South Korea. These foreign products often undercut prices, making it impossible for local mills, especially small and rural ones, to survive.
A Problem That Is Growing Fast
Data from the commerce ministry shows that paper and paperboard imports into India have risen sharply. In 2021, India imported 1.08 million tonnes of paper products. By 2025, this figure increased to 2.06 million tonnes, a 33 percent jump.
In terms of value, India imported about $1.81 billion worth of paper in FY25. Nearly $800 million of this came from China. Together with ASEAN countries, China accounts for 20 percent of all paper imports into India.
This flood of cheap imports is having a strong negative impact on India’s domestic paper sector. Of the 850 to 900 paper mills in the country, only around 550 are currently running. Many mills in rural areas have shut down due to rising costs and price wars with international suppliers. These closures have led to job losses and economic pressure on small towns and villages where paper manufacturing was once a major livelihood.
A Move Towards Self-Reliance
The government’s plan to introduce quality checks comes at a time when India is focusing on self-reliance in many industries. For example, China’s recent ban on exporting rare earth magnets, which are used in electric vehicles, has pushed India to strengthen its position in key sectors.
Officials believe that applying QCOs to paper imports will reduce dependence on other countries and promote Indian businesses. It will also improve product quality and ensure that Indian consumers get better goods.
Once the QCO is in force, foreign suppliers will face stricter checks at Indian ports. This means longer approval times and higher costs for them. But Indian companies see this as a much-needed relief.
What the Industry Says
Rohit Pandit, Secretary General of the Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA), supports the new policy. He says Indian buyers deserve high-quality products, whether made in India or imported. He believes that QCOs will block poor-quality items and protect fair trade.
Pandit also said that the IPMA had been asking the government to bring in these rules for a long time. He welcomed the fact that the DPIIT is finally taking action.
He added that the Indian paper industry is ready to improve its product quality to match global standards. But it cannot do so if it continues to face unfair pricing and dumping by other countries.
Insightful Take
India’s move to crack down on poor-quality paper imports is not just about saving local factories. It is also about building a stronger and more independent economy.
The new quality rules will protect consumers, promote fair pricing, and help Indian businesses survive. By making sure that only certified, good-quality paper enters the market, the government is giving local industries a fair chance to compete.
This is part of a larger goal — to make India self-reliant in essential sectors and reduce its dependence on countries like China. The paper industry might not be as flashy as tech or defense, but it plays a vital role in jobs, education, packaging, and printing. Strong action today could help protect thousands of livelihoods tomorrow.
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