OECD Report Outlines Role of Quality Infrastructure in Strengthening Regulatory Frameworks
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure | SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Institutions: NITI Aayog | Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution | Ministry of Commerce and Industry
The OECD report (2025) examines how regulatory quality, and trust can be strengthened by embedding standards, measurement systems, and assurance mechanisms (SMA) into governance frameworks. It situates the issue in a global context where governments face rising complexity (digital products, ESG compliance, supply chains, climate risks) and where enforcement capacity often lags behind regulatory ambition.
The report highlights that:
Standards (voluntary, technical, or performance-based) provide consistency and reduce ambiguity in regulatory interpretation.
Measurement systems (testing, calibration, metrology) are vital to verify compliance and ensure credibility in markets.
Assurance mechanisms (certification, inspections, third-party audits) create trust between regulators, businesses, and consumers.
SMA infrastructure is particularly crucial in sectors where enforcement is difficult (environmental emissions, pharmaceuticals, product safety, food systems, and digital markets).
Case studies from OECD and partner countries show that when SMA systems are embedded, regulatory outcomes improve-whether in greenhouse gas reporting, food traceability, or digital product standards.
For India, this report provides a valuable framework for aligning domestic regulatory practices with global standards and best practices. Agencies such as the Bureau of Indian Standards and the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade can leverage quality infrastructure to improve regulatory coherence, support industry competitiveness, and enhance trust in products and services both domestically and internationally. Strengthening quality infrastructure also contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting industrial innovation, facilitating responsible production and consumption, and enabling international partnerships. The OECDβs findings suggest that sustained investment in technical capacity, institutional coordination, and stakeholder engagement is crucial for embedding quality infrastructure into regulatory design and execution.
Follow the full report here:
https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/reinforcing-regulatory-frameworks-through-standards-measurements-and-assurance_f398be90-en/full-report.html