NEW DELHI, Aug. 4 -- Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare on Tuesday said the government is working to introduce "smart standards" that are machine-readable & more accurate to cut the compliance burden on industry, with the initiative targeted for completion by World Standards Day on October 14.
Addressing FICCI MASSMERIZE 2026, Khare stressed that improving quality standards is essential for India's manufacturing growth. "We cannot grow unless we address quality concerns in our manufacturing processes and the way products are sold to consumers," she said, noting a rise in consumer complaints.
She said the Department of Consumer Affairs will, for the first time under the Legal Metrology Act, issue Improvement Notices to manufacturers and retailers, allowing them to rectify minor violations before cases are taken up for compounding.
Khare also highlighted the need to strengthen the country's testing infrastructure by adopting artificial intelligence and robotics. The move, she said, would improve accuracy and traceability while reducing testing costs for MSMEs.
Jeyandran Venugopal, Chair of the FICCI Retail and Internal Trade Committee and President & CEO of Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd., said businesses must adapt to changing consumer behaviour, particularly the preferences of Gen Z, by aligning products with evolving needs.
Manish Anandani, Co-Chair of the FICCI FMCG Committee and Managing Director of Kenvue India, said India's FMCG sector continues to drive inclusive growth, supported by rising consumer aspirations, digital adoption and innovation.
FICCI Director General Jyoti Vij said consumers increasingly expect quality, transparency, convenience and sustainable choices, prompting businesses to rely on technology and innovation to stay competitive.
During the event, FICCI and Deloitte released the report, "Consumer Trends: IGNITEing Growth & Governance."
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.