OVERVIEW

21^st JULY 2023

The government, specifically the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has issued an important rule called "The Bolts, Nuts and Fasteners (Quality Control) Order, 2023." This rule, effective from the 21st of July, 2023, is designed to ensure that bolts, nuts, and fasteners meet certain quality standards.

This BIS QCO for the bolts, nuts and fasteners hexagon head bolts, screws and nuts of product grades a and b - hexagon head bolts (size range m 1.6 to m 64) applies to various businesses, especially Small and Micro Enterprises, giving them specific timelines for compliance. Small Enterprises need to follow it within Nine months, while Micro Enterprises have Twelve months from the publication date. The idea is to make sure everyone can adapt to these rules at a reasonable pace.

The BIS QCO for the bolts, nuts and fasteners hexagon head bolts, screws and nuts of product grades a and b - hexagon head bolts (size range m 1.6 to m 64) insists on using a Standard Mark for these products. This means that the items must meet specific quality standards set by the government, as specified in the table.  There are some exceptions to the rule. For instance, it doesn't apply to goods made in India but intended for export. Also, goods or parts imported for making finished products for export or used by small businesses meeting certain criteria are exempt. This flexibility is to support businesses while ensuring overall product quality.

In a nutshell the government's BIS QCO for the bolts, nuts and fasteners hexagon head bolts, screws and nuts of product grades a and b - hexagon head bolts (size range m 1.6 to m 64) order focuses on improving the quality of bolts, nuts, and fasteners. It provides clear timelines for different types of businesses to comply, sets quality standards through a Standard Mark, and designates the Bureau of Indian Standards to enforce these standards. The rule considers the needs of different businesses and aims to strike a balance between quality control and supporting local enterprises.                                                  

TABLE

QCO - Quality Control Order