BIS Update: Compulsory use of Standard Mark for Bolts, Nuts and Fasteners

There is no difference in the coverage of standards in the present QCO vis-à-vis the July, 2023 QCO.

For a master list of all products under mandatory BIS certification, please click here.

• Imports of covered goods for the purpose of research & development by manufacturers, up to 200KG, subject to requirements such a prohibition on commercial sales of said imports; and
• Covered goods, whether domestically procured or imported, meant to be used as spares or for providing after-sales services, subject to a cap of 5% of the value of bolts, nuts and fasteners imported during FY2023-24 and additional requirements.

Additionally, the present QCO provides an exemption of 3 years to certain categories of covered goods, such as those imported by a manufacturer for incorporation in equipment/product/sub-assemblies/components (i.e. downstream products). Imports for incorporation into downstream products that are meant to be exports receive a blanket exemption for a period of 3 years. Conversely, imports meant for incorporation in the downstream products not meant for export use are exempt only up to certain limits as specified in the QCO. Notably, the above exemptions are available subject to the fulfilment additional requirements.

While the July, 2023 QCO envisioned implementation beginning on July 21, 2024 for enterprises (other than small and micro enterprises), the present QCO has the following timelines for implementation.

• For micro enterprises: February 1, 2025.
• For small enterprises: November 1, 2024.
• For all enterprises other than micro and small enterprises: August 1, 2024.

Notably, while the July, 2023 QCO provided an additional time for implementation of 9 months to small enterprises and 12 months to micro enterprises, the present QCO provides an additional time of 3 months and 6 months to small and micro enterprises, respectively.

Once the QCO comes into force, both domestic and foreign manufacturers of bolts, nuts and fasteners will only be able sell these products in India while mandatorily using the prescribed Standard Mark under a valid license issued by the BIS.

To obtain the necessary certification from the BIS, both foreign producers and domestic manufacturers of these bolts, nuts and fasteners would need to submit a formal application to the BIS. Furthermore, the process of certification will also require physical testing and inspection of the relevant product at the factory premises as well as parallel testing by a BIS authorized laboratory in India to verify the same. BIS certification is a time-consuming process and therefore it is recommended that interested producers make applications for certification at the earliest, in order to obtain certification by the date when the QCO comes into force.