OVERVIEW

21^st JULY 2023

The government, through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has issued an important order on July 21, 2023, concerning bolts, nuts, and fasteners. This order, known as "The Bolts, Nuts and Fasteners (Quality Control) Order, 2023," aims to ensure the quality of these items in the public's interest. Starting six months from the date of the publication of this order, it will be applicable to all relevant goods or articles. However, Small Enterprises, as defined by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006, will have nine months to comply, and Micro Enterprises will have twelve months. The order emphasizes the compulsory use of a Standard Mark. Goods or articles listed in the provided Table must conform to the corresponding Indian Standard mentioned. These items should bear the Standard Mark, obtained through a license from the Bureau as per Scheme-1 of Schedule-II of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

Certain exemptions are granted as per BIS QCO for the bolts, nuts and fasteners hexagon head bolts, screws and nuts of product grade c hexagon head bolts (size range m 5 to m 64) 1363 (part 1):2019 such as not applying this order to goods or articles manufactured domestically for export. Also, it doesn't apply to goods or articles imported as part of a finished product, sub-assembly, or component. Additionally, goods or articles imported by domestic manufacturers for export-oriented product manufacturing are exempt. Enterprises with specific criteria, including limited investment and turnover, as certified by a Chartered Accountant, are exempted from certain quality control order implementations.

The certifying and enforcing authority for the goods or articles specified in the order is the Bureau according to the BIS QCO for the bolts, nuts and fasteners BIS QCO for the bolts, nuts and fasteners hexagon head bolts, screws and nuts of product grade c hexagon head bolts (size range m 5 to m 64) 1363 (part 1):2019. This ensures that the standards set by the order are adhered to, contributing to the quality control of bolts, nuts, and fasteners in the country.

(Hexagon head bolts, screws, and nuts of product grade C are sturdy fasteners with a six-sided head. They are commonly used for general purposes in construction and industry, meeting specific quality standards for reliability.)

TABLE

QCO - Quality Control Order