On September 17, 2024, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), issued the Cross Recessed Screws (Quality Control) Order, 2024. This order aims to ensure that all Cross-recessed Countersunk Head Wood Screws produced, imported, or sold in India meet strict quality standards, ensuring safety and compliance with Indian regulations. 

If you are involved in the production, sale, or import of cross recessed screws, this order will directly affect your operations. The government has implemented this regulation in the public interest under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016, after consulting the BIS. 

Key Provisions of the Cross Recessed Screws (Quality Control) Order, 2024 

1. Title and Implementation Timeline 

This order is officially titled the Cross Recessed Screws (Quality Control) Order, 2024. It became effective immediately on its publication in the Official Gazette. 

·       For micro enterprises, the compliance deadline is six months after the publication date (17^th March 2025). 

·       Small enterprises have a deadline of nine months from publication (17^th June 2025). 

·       Medium and large enterprises must comply within twelve months of publication (17^th September 2025).  

2. Mandatory BIS Certification 

All Cross-recessed Countersunk Head Wood Screws must conform to Indian Standard IS 18509:2023. These screws must bear the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark), which signifies compliance with quality and safety standards. 

·     Manufacturers must obtain a license from BIS to use the ISI Mark. 

·   This rule does not apply to goods made solely for export, screws that are part of finished products or sub-assemblies, or goods imported for making products intended for export.  

3. Exemptions 

Some exceptions are allowed under the order: 

·    Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that meet specific investment and turnover criteria as per the Udyam portal are exempt from this regulation. 

·   Imports up to 200 kilograms of cross recessed screws for research and development by OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) are also exempt. However, these goods must not be sold commercially and can only be disposed of as scrap. Records of these imports must be maintained by OEMs and provided to authorities if requested.  

4. BIS as Certifying Authority 

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the designated certifying and enforcement authority. BIS ensures that manufacturers, sellers, and importers comply with the standards outlined in the order. 

5. Penalties for Non-Compliance 

Any violation of the provisions of this order will result in penalties as per the BIS Act, 2016. This regulation is intended to maintain high product quality and ensure safety for consumers.

This order is a crucial step toward maintaining the quality of Cross-recessed Countersunk Head Wood Screws in India, safeguarding public interest, and ensuring compliance with internationally recognized standards. 

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 Micro Enterprises: 17^th March 2025.

Date of implementation for Small Enterprises: 17^th June 2025.