BIS Quality Control Order, 2024 for Hand Tools

Introduction to the BIS QCO for Hand Tools

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade), after consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), has recently notified the Hand Tools (Quality Control) Order, 2024 under Section 16 of the BIS Act, 2016.

This Quality Control Order has been introduced in order to make sure that hand tools used across industrial, commercial, as well as various professional applications meet prescribed quality and safety standards before being supplied in the Indian market.

Key changes you should know

• The QCO makes BIS certification mandatory for a wide range of commonly used hand tools, which mainly covers several notified products to be certified before being regulated in the Indian market.

• The enforcement timeline has been varied, which is mainly based on enterprise size under the MSME Development Act, 2006
• This staggered implementation provides additional compliance time to Micro as well as Small Enterprises.

What is the date of implementation?

The Hand Tools QCO will come into force as per the following timelines from the date of publication in the Official Gazette:

• General Enterprises: After 6 months
• Small Enterprises: After 9 months
• Micro Enterprises: After 12 months

From the applicable enforcement date, manufacture, sale, or distribution of non-certified hand tools will not be permitted in India.

Now, what to do?

Manufacturers, importers, as well as brand owners who are dealing with hand tools should begin compliance preparations with immediate effect.

Key action points for businesses dealing in the Indian market include:

1. Identifying whether your products fall under the listed Indian Standards.
2. Conducting product testing at BIS-recognized laboratories.
3. Applying for the BIS certification well ahead of the applicable deadline.
4. Planning BIS ISI marking implementation across production lines.
5. Maintaining documentation for export-only exemptions, where applicable.
6. Aligning internal timelines based on MSME classification.

For complete assistance, ranging from scope determination as well as complete BIS testing coordination to certification and compliance timeline management, Brand Liaison supports businesses in achieving smooth, timely, as well as absolutely risk-free compliance under the Hand Tools Quality Control Order, 2024.