On December 8, 2023, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), issued the Safes, Safe Deposit Locker Cabinets, and Key Locks (Quality Control) Order, 2023. This order mandates that safes meet stringent quality standards to improve security, durability, and compliance with Indian Standards. 

If you are engaged in the manufacturing, selling, or importing of safes, this new order directly affects your business. Developed in consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), this regulation is enacted in the public interest under the BIS Act, 2016. 

Key Provisions of the Safes, Safe Deposit Locker Cabinets, and Key Locks (Quality Control) Order, 2023 

1. Title and Implementation Timeline 

The order, officially titled the Safes, Safe Deposit Locker Cabinets, and Key Locks (Quality Control) Order, 2023, will take effect six months from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. 

·   Medium and large-scale industries are required to comply starting June 8, 2024.

·   Small enterprises have an extended compliance deadline, with the order becoming mandatory from September 8, 2024.

·   Micro enterprises benefit from the longest grace period, with compliance required by December 8, 2024. 

2. Mandatory BIS Certification 

This order mandates the use of the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark) for all safes in India. These products must conform to Indian Standard IS 550 (Part 1): 2014 to ensure quality and safety standards.

·   Manufacturers must obtain a BIS license to affix the ISI Mark, confirming their products meet the BIS standards.

·   This regulation applies solely to products manufactured for the domestic market; items made exclusively for export are exempt. 

3. BIS as the Certifying Authority 

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is designated as the official certifying and enforcement authority for this order. BIS will oversee the certification process to ensure that only BIS-certified safes bearing the Standard Mark are manufactured, imported, or sold in India.

 4. Penalties for Non-Compliance 

Non-compliance with the Safes, Safe Deposit Locker Cabinets, and Key Locks (Quality Control) Order, 2023, will result in penalties as specified under the BIS Act, 2016. These penalties serve to deter violations and uphold the integrity of safety standards in the marketplace. 

This order represents a critical step toward enhancing the security and quality of safes available in India. Through adherence to Indian Standards, this regulation promotes consumer safety and industry accountability. 

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 General (Medium & Large-Scale Enterprises): 8th June 2024

- Date of implementation for Small Enterprises: 8th September 2024.

BIS Certification for Safes IS 550 (Part 1): 2014