Government Enforces Quality Norms for Screws to Boost Domestic Manufacturing

The government has mandated quality norms for certain types of screws to curb sub-standard imports, bolster domestic manufacturing, and ensure consumer safety. A new order requires screws to bear the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mark. Exemptions are provided for goods used in finished products, export manufacturing, and R&D purposes.

The government has imposed mandatory quality norms for certain types of screws to curb the import of sub-standard goods, boost domestic manufacturing, and ensure consumer safety.

A notification titled 'Cross Recessed Screws (Quality Control) Order' was issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on September 17.

According to the order, screws must bear the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mark to be produced, sold, traded, imported, or stocked.

The order outlines 14 Indian standards for various types of screws and will come into effect six months post-notification for large and medium-scale manufacturers, including foreign manufacturers.

Several relaxations have been introduced in the QCO to facilitate ease of doing business. Exemptions include goods imported as part of finished goods or sub-assemblies, as well as products imported by domestic manufacturers for export purposes.

Additionally, goods imported up to 200 kilograms per year for research and development are exempt, provided they are not sold commercially and are disposed of as scrap.

The QCO on screws is part of a broader initiative to enhance the quality ecosystem, attract investments, and promote entrepreneurial talent with an emphasis on product quality.

Violating the BIS Act provisions can result in up to two years of imprisonment or a minimum fine of Rs 2 lakh for the first offence. Repeat offenders face fines increasing to a minimum of Rs 5 lakh or up to 10 times the value of the goods.

These quality norms are issued in line with the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade. The DPIIT has been issuing QCOs since 1987, covering 81 orders for over 330 products, including cement, LPG gas stoves, pressure cookers, air conditioners, and refrigerators.

Vishal Mahajan, President of the Northern India Screw Manufacturers and Traders Association, welcomed the move, noting it would reduce sub-standard screw imports from China. The government has already banned imports sold below Rs 129 per kg since January.

(With inputs from agencies.)