BIS Quality Control Order for Hand Tools - Combination Side Cutting Pliers

Combination Side Cutting Pliers QCO Overview

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade – DPIIT), Government of India, has issued the Hand Tools (Quality Control) Order, 2025 through Gazette Notification S.O. 5596(E) dated 4th December 2025. Under this notification, Combination Side Cutting Pliers covered under IS 3650:1981 have been included under mandatory BIS certification requirements.

As per the notification, manufacturers of Combination Side Cutting Pliers must ensure that their products conform to the specified Indian Standard and bear the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid BIS licence granted as per Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

What is IS 3650:1981?

IS 3650:1981 is the Indian Standard specified for Combination Side Cutting Pliers used in various electrical, industrial, mechanical, maintenance, repair, and workshop applications. This standard defines the requirements related to design, dimensions, material quality, hardness, cutting performance, durability, and testing of pliers to ensure product reliability, strength, and safe usage during gripping and cutting operations.

Implementation Dates Under QCO

The Quality Control Order will come into force from the following dates:

Key Requirements Under the QCO

• Products must comply with IS 3650:1981 requirements.
• Manufacturers must obtain BIS certification before selling products in the Indian market.
• Certified products must bear the ISI Mark.
• BIS will act as the certification and enforcement authority for these products.
• Non-compliance may result in penalties under the BIS Act, 2016.

Exemptions Under the Order

The QCO does not apply to:

• Products manufactured domestically for export purposes.
• Up to 200 imported units per year used for research and development purposes by manufacturers, subject to conditions specified in the notification.

Certification and Enforcement Authority

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) shall act as the certification and enforcement authority for Combination Side Cutting Pliers covered under this Quality Control Order.

Penalty for Non-Compliance

Any person or manufacturer violating the provisions of this Order shall be punishable under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.