The Ministry of Commerce and Industry on September 24th 2024 issued the Hand Tools (Quality Control) Order 2024. This order establishes mandatory quality control measures for hand tools, aligning with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regulations.
The Hand Tools (Quality Control) Order, 2024
This order is part of the Indian government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that products meet rigorous quality standards, thereby protecting consumer interests and promoting fair trade practices. The order specifically focuses on hand tools, which are commonly used in various industries, including construction, automotive, and home maintenance.
Key Features of the Order
- Compulsory Use of Standard Mark:
- The order mandates that all hand tools specified in the accompanying table must conform to designated Indian Standards.
- Each tool must bear the Standard Mark issued by the BIS, ensuring compliance with quality norms.
- It is important to note that tools manufactured domestically for export are exempt from these regulations.
- Certification and Enforcement Authority:
- The Bureau of Indian Standards is designated as the certifying and enforcing authority for this order, ensuring that all listed hand tools meet the required quality standards.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- Any person or entity that contravenes the provisions of this order will face penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, which can include fines and other punitive measures.
Applicable Standards
The order specifies a range of hand tools along with their corresponding Indian Standards.
| Goods/Articles | Indian Standard | Title of Indian Standard |
| Chain Pipe Wrenches | 4123:1982 | Chain Pipe Wrenches |
| Open Ended Slugging Wrenches (Spanners) | 4508:1992 | Open Ended Slugging Wrenches |
| Ring Slugging Wrenches (Spanners) | 4509:1992 | Ring Slugging Wrenches |
| Adjustable Wrenches | 6149:1984 | Single-ended Open-jaw Adjustable Wrenches |
| Open-Jaw Wrenches (Spanners) | 2028:2004 | Open-Jaw Wrenches (Spanners) |
| Ring Wrenches (Spanners) | 2029:1998 | Ring Wrenches (Spanners) |
| Pipe Wrenches – General Purpose | 4003 (Part 1):1978 | Pipe Wrenches – General Purpose |
| Pipe Wrenches – Heavy Duty | 4003 (Part 2):1986 | Pipe Wrenches – Heavy Duty |
| Combination Side Cutting Pliers | 3650:1981 | Combination Side Cutting Pliers |
Effective Date: The Hand Tools (Quality Control) Order, 2024 will come into force six months after its publication.
Specific timelines for small and micro enterprises:
Small Enterprises: The order will take effect nine months from the publication date, June 21, 2025
Micro Enterprises: The order will take effect twelve months from the publication date, September 24, 2025
