The government has implemented mandatory quality norms for certain screws to reduce the import of sub-standard products, enhance domestic manufacturing, and ensure consumer safety.
On September 17, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) issued the ‘Cross Recessed Screws (Quality Control) Order’ (QCO).
Under this order, screws must bear the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mark to be produced, sold, traded, imported, or stocked.
The order specifies 14 Indian standards for different types of screws and will take effect six months after the notification for large and medium-scale manufacturers, including foreign entities.
To facilitate business, several relaxations have been included, such as exemptions for screws imported as part of finished goods or components and those for export production.
Manufacturers can also import up to 200 kilograms of screws for research and development purposes annually, provided these are not sold commercially.
Moreover, violations of the BIS Act could lead to imprisonment for up to two years or fines starting at Rs 2 lakh, increasing for subsequent offences. This QCO initiative aims to promote product quality, curb sub-standard imports, and enhance consumer safety, aligning with the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade.
