BIS Updates (December - January)
- Commercial Consultancy Counsel
- Feb 16
- 6 min read
1. Quality Control Order: Hand Tools (Mandatory BIS Certification)
S.O. 5596(E) | New Delhi, 4 Dec 2025 | Effective 1 Oct 2026
Ministry: Ministry of Commerce & Industry (DPIIT)
Ministry of Commerce & Industry (DPIIT) notifies Hand Tools (Quality Control) Order, 2025 under BIS Act 2016, superseding prior version:
Mandatory BIS Standard Mark (Scheme-I) for specified tools (e.g., Pipe Wrenches IS 4003 Pt 1/2; Open-Jaw Wrenches IS 2028; Ring Wrenches IS 2029; Adjustable Wrenches IS 6149; Chain Pipe Wrenches IS 4123; Slugging Wrenches IS 4508/4509; Cutting Pliers IS 3650).
Staggered Implementation: General - 1 Oct 2026; Small Enterprises - 1 Jan 2027; Micro Enterprises - 1 Apr 2027.
Exemptions: Domestic exports; R&D imports (≤200 units/year, non-commercial, scrap disposal with records).
Enforcement: BIS certification; violations punishable under BIS Act.
Impact: Ensures quality compliance for manufacturing/import/sale; promotes consumer safety and industry standards.
2. NITI Aayog Panel: Easing MSME Regulations & QCOs
Report Overview | Expected Release: End-Dec 2025
Panel (led by Rajiv Gauba) proposes non-financial reforms to cut compliance burdens:
Scrap mandatory CSR for MSMEs; raise 'small company' threshold > Rs 100 Cr.
Pause upcoming QCOs/OTRs for raw materials/capital goods; review by IMG (Centre already withdrew 14 QCOs in chemicals/plastics/textiles).
Simplify GST returns, reduce penal interest to 12%; fewer board meetings/audits.
Risk-graded licensing/inspections via third parties; fixed regulatory update calendar.
Ease FDI norms: Relax Press Note 3 (PN3) scrutiny for China/border countries (up to 49% in select sectors like electronics).
Impact: Addresses 1,400+ annual compliances & 40 daily changes for MSMEs; promotes EoDB, investment, and manufacturing growth.
3. 𝗪𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗖𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱: 𝗘𝗘𝗗 𝟮 (𝟯𝟯𝟮𝟮𝟯)
𝗪𝗖 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗶𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 (𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻)
The 𝗔𝗶𝗿, 𝗦𝗼𝗶𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗼𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲, 𝗘𝗘𝗗 𝟬𝟮 of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has released the revised draft Indian standard "𝗖𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗶𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀" 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗪𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗖𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.
This standard was first published in 1987. With the advent of technological advancements in the last 4 decades and experience gained, the Committee is revising the standard to provide guidance on the technology and operating practices, containing the brief description of processes, possible sources of air pollutants and mitigation measures with a view to support the aluminium industries minimizing the environmental impact of their processes. All stakeholders, domain experts, aluminium industries, policy makers, public bodies, environmental engineers, and academic professionals are invited to:
Examine the draft
Share comments and suggestions
Flag any practical implementation challenges
𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: 𝟬𝟴 𝗙𝗲𝗯 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
4. Upcoming QCOs
5. BIS New Standard: IS 19412:2025 for Incense Sticks (Agarbatti)
PIB Press Release | New Delhi, 26 Dec 2025 | Released on National Consumer Day
Ministry: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi unveiled IS 19412:2025 – Incense Sticks (Agarbatti) — Specification, a BIS-developed Indian Standard to ensure product safety, quality, and sustainability.
Key Provisions:
Prohibited Substances: Bans harmful insecticidal chemicals (e.g., alethrin, permethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, fipronil) and synthetic fragrance intermediates (e.g., benzyl cyanide, ethyl acrylate, diphenylamine) due to health, air quality, and environmental risks.
Classification & Requirements: Covers machine-made, hand-made, and traditional masala agarbattis; sets norms for raw materials, burning quality, fragrance performance, and chemical parameters.
Certification: Compliant products earn BIS Standard Mark for consumer trust.
Development: Formulated by PCD 18 Committee with inputs from CSIR-CIMAP, IITR, CFTRI, FFDC Kannauj, and All India Agarbatti Manufacturers Association.
Impact: Enhances consumer safety, promotes ethical manufacturing, protects traditional livelihoods, and boosts Indian agarbatti's global competitiveness amid international restrictions.
6. BIS New Standard: IS 19262:2025 for Electric Agricultural Tractors
PIB Press Release | New Delhi, 28 Dec 2025 | Released on National Consumer Day
Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi unveiled IS 19262:2025 – Electric Agricultural Tractors — Test Code, a BIS-developed standard to standardise testing for safety, reliability, and performance.
Key Provisions:
Uniform terminology, guidelines, and protocols for PTO power, drawbar power, belts/pulleys performance, vibration measurement, and component inspections.
Adapted from IS 5994:2022 (Agricultural Tractors Test Code) and relevant EV Automotive Industry Standards.
Impact: Enables certified testing via authorised institutes, boosting adoption of electric agri-tractors, ensuring quality, and supporting sustainable farming.
7. QCO Amendments: Woven Sacks for Cement & Mail Packaging
Gazette Notifications S.O. 51–53(E) | New Delhi, 5 Jan 2026 | Effective on Publication
Ministry: Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers (DoC&P)
Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers (DoC&P) amends 2023 Quality Control Orders under BIS Act 2016, extending enforcement dates to 6 Oct 2026 for three woven sack types:
S.O. 51(E): HDPE/PP Woven Sacks for 50 kg Cement Packaging – Delays implementation (original: 6 Dec 2023; prior amendments: Jun/Sep/Dec 2024, Jun/Sep 2025).
S.O. 52(E): PP Woven, Laminated, Block Bottom Valve Sacks for 50 kg Cement – Similar extension (original: 6 Dec 2023; amendments as above).
S.O. 53(E): PP/HDPE Laminated Woven Sacks for Mail Sorting/Storage/Transport/Distribution – Extension aligns with above.
Impact: Provides industry grace period for BIS compliance; ensures quality standards for safety/environmental sustainability while easing transition.
8. Rescission of Flux Cored Solder Wire QCO 2023
S.O. 165(E) | New Delhi, 12 Jan 2026 | Effective on Publication
Ministry: Ministry Of Commerce And Industry (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade)
DPIIT rescinds Flux Cored Solder Wire (Quality Control) Order, 2023 [S.O. 4092(E) dated 18 Sep 2023] under BIS Act 2016 Sec. 16, except for actions already taken/omitted.
Impact: Removes mandatory BIS compliance for solder wire, simplifying trade/manufacturing post-consultation.
9. Electrical Accessories QCO Amendment 2026
S.O. 187(E) | New Delhi, 13 Jan 2026 | Effective on Publication
Ministry: Ministry Of Commerce And Industry (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade)
DPIIT amends Electrical Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2023 under BIS Act 2016 Sec. 16, removing IS 7809 (Part 3/Sec 1): 1986 for Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Insulating Tapes from Table-1.
Applies to electrical accessories; ensures updated standards for safety/compliance.
Impact: Streamlines QCO by excluding outdated tape standard, easing manufacturing/import norms.
10. Cookware, Utensils & Cans for Foods/Beverages QCO 2026
S.O. 219(E) | New Delhi, 15 Jan 2026 | Effective on Publication
Ministry: Ministry Of Commerce And Industry (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade)
DPIIT notifies Quality Control Order for cookware/utensils/cans for foods/beverages under BIS Act 2016, mandating BIS certification (Scheme-I) for specified items (e.g., wrought aluminium utensils, aluminium cans).
Staggered Implementation: General - 15 Jul 2026; Small Enterprises - 15 Oct 2026; Micro - 15 Jan 2027.
Exemptions: Exports, R&D imports (≤200 units/year, non-commercial, scrap disposal).
Impact: Ensures food safety/quality; promotes compliant products with BIS mark; penalties for violations under BIS Act.
11. Withdrawal of Machinery & Electrical Equipment Safety QCO
S.O. 239(E) | New Delhi, 14 Jan 2026 | Immediate Effect
Ministry: Ministry of Heavy Industries
Ministry of Heavy Industries rescinds the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024 [S.O. 3649(E) dated 28 Aug 2024] under BIS Act 2016 Sec. 16, deeming it necessary in public interest.
Impact: Removes mandatory BIS compliance for specified machinery/electrical items, easing import/manufacturing norms post-consultation.
12. BIS Circular: Extension of Implementation Date for Revised IS 302 (Part 1): 2024
Ref: IS 302 (Part 1) | Dated: 21 January 2026
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has further extended the last date for implementation of the revised standard IS 302 (Part 1): 2024 / IEC 60335-1:2020 (Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – Safety – Part 1: General Requirements) for Adapters:
Original implementation deadline: 23 February 2025 (circular dated 27 November 2024)
First extension: 23 February 2026 (circular dated 20 February 2025)
Current extension: 23 February 2027
All other terms and conditions of the original circular dated 27 November 2024 remain unchanged.
Purpose: Provides additional transition time to manufacturers, importers, and testing labs for compliance with the updated safety standard.
Applicability: Applies to adapters for household and similar electrical appliances.
This is the third extension granted by BIS for this standard. Manufacturers are advised to align production, testing, and certification processes accordingly to avoid non-compliance after the new deadline.
13. Upcoming QCOs
14. MeitY Extends CRO Deadline for Television Sets
S.O. 352(E) | New Delhi, 22 Jan 2026 | Effective Immediately
Ministry: Ministry of Electronics & IT
Ministry of Electronics & IT extends implementation date for "Television Sets" (Sl. No. 64, IS 18112:2022) under Electronics and IT Goods (Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 [added via S.O. 1929(E) dated 26 Apr 2023].
Original Date: 26 Jan 2026.
Extended To: 26 Jul 2026.
Impact: Provides 6-month grace for manufacturers/importers to comply with BIS registration; eases transition amid supply chain challenges.
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