On July 21, 2023, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), issued the Bolts, Nuts, and Fasteners (Quality Control) Order, 2023. To provide manufacturers with additional time to comply with Indian Standard requirements, the Ministry subsequently introduced the Bolts, Nuts, and Fasteners (Quality Control) Order, 2024, superseding the 2023 order and revising its implementation timelines. 

Key Provisions of the Bolts, Nuts, and Fasteners (Quality Control) Order, 2024 

1. Title and Commencement

• Officially titled the Bolts, Nuts, and Fasteners (Quality Control) Order, 2024, the regulation takes effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette.
• Implementation timelines are as follows, depending on the size of the enterprise:
• Medium and Large Enterprises: Implementation by August 1, 2024.
• Small Enterprises: Implementation by November 1, 2024.
• Micro Enterprises: Implementation by February 1, 2025. 

2. Mandatory BIS Certification

• The order mandates that Indicating Bolts for use in public baths and lavatories conform to Indian Standard IS 4621:1975.
• Manufacturers must obtain a BIS license to affix the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) on their products, following Scheme-1 of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. 

Exemptions from Compliance

• Goods manufactured solely for export purposes.
• Goods imported as part of finished products, sub-assemblies, or components.
• Goods imported by domestic manufacturers for manufacturing products exclusively for export.
• Goods manufactured by enterprises registered under the Udyam portal with:
• Investment in plant and machinery or equipment not exceeding ₹25 lakhs.
• Turnover not exceeding ₹2 crores for the previous financial year (certified by a Chartered Accountant). 

3. Certifying and Enforcement Authority

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is designated as the certifying and enforcing authority for the regulation. BIS will oversee certification, monitor compliance, and restrict the manufacture, import, or sale of non-compliant goods. 

4. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violations of the provisions of this order will be punishable under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. 

Objectives and Implications

The Bolts, Nuts, and Fasteners (Quality Control) Order, 2024 highlights the government’s commitment to standardizing the quality of essential fasteners. By enforcing compliance with IS 4621:1975 and allowing phased implementation, the regulation promotes industry accountability, consumer safety, and streamlined compliance for manufacturers across enterprise scales. 

Stay compliant and prepare your business for these important regulatory changes to continue operating within the guidelines of the industry!

Implementation Dates: Date of implementation for Medium & Large-Scale Enterprises: 1st August 2024

Date of implementation for Small Enterprises: 1st November 2024.

Date of implementation for Micro Enterprises: 1st February 2025.