The Hand Tools (Quality Control) Order, 2025 sets new rules to improve the safety and quality of hand tools sold in India. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued this order under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. The order will start on 1 October 2026 and will apply to several common hand tools like pipe wrenches, open-jaw spanners, ring spanners, pliers, and adjustable wrenches. Each tool must follow the matching Indian Standard and carry the BIS Standard Mark under a licence issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
The order lists important standards such as IS 4003 (Part 1 and 2) for pipe wrenches, IS 2028 for open-jaw spanners, IS 2029 for ring spanners, IS 6149 for adjustable wrenches, and IS 3650 for cutting pliers. Large industries must follow the rules from October 2026, while small enterprises get time till 1 January 2027, and micro enterprises get time till 1 April 2027. This phased start supports smaller units so they can upgrade their systems without pressure.
The order does not apply to items made for export. Manufacturers can also import up to 200 units of hand tools each year for research and development without BIS certification, but these items must be scrapped later and cannot be sold.
The Bureau of Indian Standards will act as the main authority to certify and enforce these rules. Any violation of this order will lead to punishment under the BIS Act, 2016. The new framework aims to raise product quality, create safer tools, and strengthen consumer trust across the country.