Pharmaceutical companies, which have long sought regulatory predictability, say the new approach strikes a balance. “Stronger safety standards in priority pharmaceutical areas, along with selective easing of certain QCO requirements, create a more constructive environment,” said Bhavin Mehta, whole-time director at Kilitch Drugs and vice-chairman of Pharmexcil. “If future QCO rollouts are phased and aligned with national lab capacity, predictability will further improve, allowing companies to sequence compliance, testing partnerships, and supply-chain adjustments efficiently. This structured approach supports operational continuity and strengthens India’s long-term competitiveness in export markets,” said Mehta.