BIS QCO (Draft) for Bearings, 2025

Introduction to the BIS QCO Regarding Bearings

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, has introduced a new Quality Control Order (QCO) for Bearings under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This order has been issued in consultation with BIS to ensure better quality, safety, and standards for bearings sold in the Indian market.

The order is titled the Bearings (Quality Control) Order, 2025, and applies to manufacturers, importers, and sellers of bearings in India. 

Key Changes of the QCO You Should Know

Under this QCO,

1. The specified goods must conform to the Indian Standards notified by BIS.
2. Products must bear the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
3. Compliance timelines have been defined separately for general businesses, small enterprises, and micro enterprises.

Products Covered under this QCO:

The following bearings and related articles are covered under the Bearings (Quality Control) Order, 2025, along with their respective Indian Standards:

• Tapered Roller Bearings – IS 12102:1987
• Self-aligning Roller Bearings – IS 6454:1972
• Single Row Deep Groove Ball Bearings – IS 6455:2020
• Double Row Radial Ball Bearings – IS 6456:1972
• Single Row Cylindrical Roller Bearings – IS 6457:2024
• Double Row Cylindrical Roller Bearings – IS 6458:1972
• Thin-walled Plain Bearings – IS 10203:1982
• Plain Bearings – Thick-Walled Bushes, Plain and Flange Type, Full-Round (Without Any Joint or Slit) – IS 14478:1997
• Ring Type Needle Bearings – IS 4215:1983
• Plain Bearings Ring Type Thrust Washers Made from Strip – IS 9764 (Part 1):2022
• Plain Bearings Pressed Bimetallic Half Thrust Washers – IS 9764 (Part 2):2022
• Porous Metal Powder Oil Impregnated Bearings – IS 3980:1982

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

Exemptions to this QCO:

• Goods and articles manufactured domestically for export are exempt from this Order.
• Up to 200 goods or articles per year may be imported by bearing manufacturers for research and development purposes, subject to the following conditions:
  • Such goods shall not be sold commercially
  • They may be disposed of as scrap
  • A year-wise record must be maintained and furnished to the Central Government

The Bureau of Indian Standards will act as the certifying authority, and any person or business that violates this Order will face penalties as per the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

What is the Date of Implementation?

This Order shall come into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. The Bearings (Quality Control) Order, 2025, shall be implemented as follows:

• General businesses (other than Micro and Small Enterprises):
  6 months from the date of publication of this Order
• Small enterprises:
  9 months from the date of publication of this Order
• Micro enterprises:
  12 months from the date of publication of this Order

Now, What to Do?

Manufacturers, importers, and sellers of bearings should:

• Identify whether their products fall under the scope of this QCO
• Verify applicable Indian Standards for each bearing category
• Apply for BIS certification under Scheme-I well within the compliance timeline
• Maintain proper documentation for R&D imports, if applicable
• Plan inventory and production transitions to avoid disruptions and penalties

Failure to comply may attract penalties under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, as BIS shall act as the certifying and enforcing authority for this Order.

Brand Liaison provides complete BIS compliance assistance for bearing manufacturers and importers, including certification, paperwork, and exemption guidance. Our decade-long experience ensures hassle-free approvals and uninterrupted market access.