Industry Focus

Navigating India's New BIS
Certification Requirement for Fasteners
Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscapeof global trade and manufacturing,staying ahead of regulatory changes
is paramount for businesses seeking
success and growth. India's recent
adoption of mandatory certificationr e qu i r e ment s for fa st ener s i s amonumental development that ispoised to reshape the industry andinfluence companies worldwide. The
Bolts, Nuts and Fasteners (QualityControl) Order, 2023 issued by theIndian Government is a directive thatplaces emphasis on quality standards,
especially the necessity for fasteners tobear the prestigious Bureau of IndianStandards (BIS) mark. Let's delve
deeper into the implications of thistransformative regulation for both local
and international fastener suppliers.

The Bolts, Nutsand Fasteners(Quality Control)
Order, 2023: AnOverview
The Bolts, Nuts and Fasteners (QualityControl) Order, 2023 is a legislative milestonethat demonstrates the Indian Government'scommitment to enhancing the quality andsafety of fasteners in the country. Under this348

Fastener World no.203/2023 惠達雜誌order, comprehensive quality norms are defined, encompassing a wide arrayof parameters that fasteners must meet to be eligible for sale, trade, import,and stocking in India. A pivotal point in this regulation is the insistence on
fasteners bearing the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mark.

Understanding
the Significanceof the BIS MarkThe Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
is India's premier authority for establishingand certifying product standards. Products
displaying the BIS mark are an embodimentof quality, safety, and compliance withIndian standards. In the case of fasteners, the BIS mark is an affirmationthat the product adheres to rigorous quality benchmarks. This certificationnecessitates conformity to specific parameters, including dimensions,strength, and material composition, ensuring that the fastener is entirely
suitable for its intended application.

■ Challenges for Fastener Suppliers:• Compliance Costs: Fastener suppliers outside India interested inexporting to the Indian market must now allocate resources to ensurethat their products meet BIS standards. This could involve substantial
investments in adapting production processes, sourcing compliant
materials, and establishing robust quality control measures.
• Technical Adaptation and Certification Process: Acquiring the BIS
mark can be an intricate and meticulous process. It typically involves
comprehensive testing, documentation, and audit processes, which
can be time-consuming and demanding. Suppliers must be prepared
to meet these requirements to obtain the certification. Therefore,navigating the complex documentation and regulatory compliance
processes associated with BIS certification can be a significant

Industry Focus
challenge. This includes maintaining accurate records,
conducting regular audits, and staying updated on evolving
standards. On the other hands, meeting the specifictechnical standards required for BIS certification can be acomplex task. Suppliers may need to invest in research anddevelopment, technology upgrades, and specialized testing
equipment to meet these standards.
• Market Access: Non-BIS certified fasteners may findit challenging to gain entry to the Indian market, given
the mandatory certification requirement. This presents a
considerable barrier to entry, which could potentially limit
the market potential for non-compliant products.
• Supply Chain Challenges: Suppliers often rely on a globalsupply chain for materials and components. Adapting
the entire supply chain to meet BIS standards can belogistically challenging, and it may result in increased
costs and lead times.
• Operational Cost: The process of conforming to BIS
standards can be expensive. Suppliers may face increased
production costs due to material changes, testing expenses,
and compliance-related investments. This can impact
pricing and profitability.
• Competitive Landscape: With the new BIS certification
requirement, the competitive landscape in India may shift.
Suppliers who have already obtained the certification
may have a competitive advantage, potentially making it
more challenging for new entrants to gain a foothold in themarket.
• Local Knowledge and Expertise: Navigati ng t he
intricacies of Indian regulatory requirements and standards
may require local knowledge and expertise. Suppliers
from outside of India may need to establish partnerships orengage local experts to assist in the certification process.
• Timeliness and Market Entry: The certification process
may take time, and suppliers could face challenges related
to timing and market entry. Delaying market entry whilenavigating the certification process may lead to missed
opportunities.
• Monitoring and Compliance Maintenance: Oncecertified, suppliers must continuously monitor andmaintain compliance with BIS standards. This includes
keeping up with evolving standards and conducting
periodic audits.

powerful differentiator. It not only reflects a commitment
to quality but also assures Indian customers of the
product's reliability and safety. This can foster trust andlong-term loyalty.
• Consulting and Advisory Services and BIS Certification
Agencies: Provide consulting services to companies
looking to understand and comply with the new BIS
cer tification requi rements. Offer guida nce on t heapplication process, documentation, and compliancep ro c e du r es. O n t he ot her h a nd s, est abl ish a BIS
certification agency or partner with existing ones to assist
manufacturers in obtaining the required certifications fortheir fasteners.
• Grow ing Market: I ndia's ma rket for fasteners is
experiencing remarkable growth. The Indian industrial
fasteners market was valued at USD9,064 million in
2022 and is projected to reach USD17,868 million by
2030, registering a CAGR of 7.9%during the forecast
period (2023 -2030). T he dema nd for high-quality
products, bearing the BIS mark, remains consistently high.
Suppliers with this certification are well-positioned tobenefit from this expansion.
• Exporting to Indian specialists: Specialize in handlingexports of fasteners to India. Ensure that all imported
products meet BIS certification standards and thensuppliers who adapt to these new regulations can still
access the Indian market, which is marked by a substantial
consumer base and promising business opportunities. Byaligning with BIS standards, they can tap into a market
that is expanding and evolving.

Conclusion
In conclusion, India's recent implementation of the BIS
certification requirement for fasteners is a significant developmentthat underscores the Indian Government's commitment toenhancing product quality and safety. While this move does
pose considerable challenges for non-BIS certified fastenersuppliers, it simultaneously presents opportunities for those whochoose to invest in compliance and quality assurance. As India's
manufacturing sector continues to thrive, fastener suppliers thatembrace these changes are poised to thrive in this dynamic andevolving market. The importance of BIS certification cannot
be overstated; it is a symbol of trust, quality, and adherence torigorous standards that will undoubtedly shape the future of thefastener industry in India and beyond.

■ Opportunities for Fastener Suppliers:• Quality Assurance: For fastener suppliers willing toinvest in quality and compliance, the BIS mark can be a350

Fastener World no.203/2023 惠達雜誌

Copyright owned by Fastener World / Article by Behrooz Lotfian