New BIS Quality Control Order 2025 on Hand Tools

Introduction to the BIS QCO on Hand Tools

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), has issued the Hand Tools (Quality Control) Order, 2025 on 22 July 2025.

This new Order has been notified under Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, and supersedes the earlier 2024 Order (except for actions already taken under it).

The Order mandates compulsory BIS certification as well as the Standard Mark usage for specified hand tools that are listed in the official notification.

Key Changes You Need to Know

1. The 2025 Order replaces the Hand Tools (Quality Control) Order, 2024.
2. It will now be called Hand Tools (Quality Control) Order, 2025.
3. BIS certification under Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, is mandatory.
4. Products must conform to the applicable Indian Standards and bear the BIS Standard Mark.
5. Varied implementation dates have been introduced for Small as well as Micro Enterprises.
6. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will act as the certifying and enforcement authority.
7. Violation of the Order will surely attract penalties under the BIS Act, 2016.

Exemptions to this QCO

The following exemptions are provided under the new Hand Tools Order:

1. Export Exemption
   1. Goods that are manufactured domestically for export are not covered under this Order.
2. R&D Import Exemption
   1. Up to 200 units per year may be imported for research and development purposes by hand tool manufacturers.
   2. These products must not be sold commercially.
   3. They must be disposed of as scrap.
   4. Year-wise records of the same must be maintained as well as produced if required by the authorities.

List of Applicable Indian Standards for Hand Tools

Note: The latest version of the Indian Standards, including amendments notified by BIS from time to time, shall apply.

What is the Date of Implementation?

The Order introduces phased enforcement, which is mainly based on the enterprise category:

1. General (Large Enterprises): 1 October 2025
2. Small Enterprises: 1 January 2026
3. Micro Enterprises: 1 April 2026

Now, What Should You Do?

If you are a manufacturer, importer, or supplier of the listed hand tools:

• Apply for BIS certification under Scheme-I.
• Ensure that the specified products conform to the latest applicable Indian Standards.
• Prepare factory quality control documentation as well as testing procedures.
• Verify MSME classification in order to determine your applicable compliance deadline.
• Keep checking if any further clarifications are issued by DPIIT or BIS.

This Order mainly aims to improve product quality, enhance consumer safety, as well as comprehensively standardise regulatory compliance across India’s hand tool industry.