Published: 25 Jun 2026
Cross Recessed Screws (Quality Control) Order, 2025: What Manufacturers Need to Know
Omega QMS Compliance Insights
Omega QMS
India’s Ministry of Commerce & Industry published the Cross Recessed Screws (QCO) 2025 on 27 August 2025, superseding the 2024 version. The order mandates BIS certification for 14 categories of cross recessed screws sold in the Indian market. All compliance deadlines have now passed.
Key Facts
The order creates a mandatory BIS certification requirement for all cross recessed screws sold in India. Products must conform to specified Indian Standards and carry the ISI Standard Mark under a valid BIS licence. Non-compliance attracts penal provisions under the BIS Act, 2016.
All Deadlines Have Now Passed
The order used a three-tier rollout based on enterprise size, giving micro and small enterprises additional lead time. As of June 2026, all categories are past their compliance dates.
General (all others)
Deadline passed
Small Enterprises
MSMED Act, 2006
Deadline passed
Micro Enterprises
MSMED Act, 2006
Deadline passed
As of June 2026, all enterprise categories, including micro enterprises, are past their respective implementation dates. If your business has not yet obtained BIS certification, you are operating in non-compliance. Contact Omega QMS for an urgent gap assessment.
14 Indian Standards
The order spans tapping screws, drilling screws, machine screws, wood screws, drywall screws and chipboard screws with cross recesses. The latest versions of these standards, including all subsequent BIS amendments, apply at the time of compliance assessment.
| Indian Standard | Product | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| IS 18471 (Part 1): 2023 | Cross Recessed Drilling Screws, Tapping Thread, Pan Head | ISO 15481:1999 | Revised as IS 18471:2025 |
| IS 18471 (Part 2): 2023 | Cross Recessed Drilling Screws, Tapping Thread, Countersunk Head | ISO 15482:1999 | Revised as IS 18471:2025 |
| IS 18471 (Part 3): 2023 | Cross Recessed Drilling Screws, Tapping Thread, Raised Countersunk Head | ISO 15483:1999 | Revised as IS 18471:2025 |
| IS 18476: 2023 | Hexagon Washer Head Drilling Screws with Tapping Screw Thread | ISO 15480:2019 | Revised as IS 18471:2025 |
| IS 18480 (Part 1): 2023 | Cross Recessed Tapping Screws, Pan Head | ISO 7049:2011 |
| IS 18480 (Part 2): 2023 | Cross Recessed Tapping Screws, Countersunk Flat Head | ISO 7050:2011 |
| IS 18480 (Part 3): 2023 | Cross Recessed Tapping Screws, Raised Countersunk Oval Head | ISO 7051:2011 |
| IS 7483: 2018 | Pan Head Screws, Type H or Type Z Cross Recess, Product Grade A | ISO 7045:2011 |
| IS 7485 (Part 1): 2018 | Countersunk Flat Head Screws, Type H/Z, Product Grade A, Class 4.8 Steel | ISO 7046-1:2011 |
| IS 7485 (Part 2): 2018 | Countersunk Flat Head Screws, Type H/Z, Product Grade A, Class 8.8 Steel, SS & Non-Ferrous | ISO 7046-2:2011 |
| IS 7486: 2018 | Raised Countersunk Head Screws, Type H/Z Cross Recess, Product Grade A | ISO 7047:2011 |
| IS 18507: 2024 | Drywall Screws, Specification | New Indian Standard |
| IS 18508: 2024 | Chipboard Screws, Specification | New Indian Standard |
| IS 18509: 2023 | Cross-Recessed Countersunk Head Wood Screws, Specification | New Indian Standard |
Who Is Exempt?
The order provides four specific exemption categories.
Export Goods
Domestic export manufacturers: domestically manufactured products destined entirely for export are exempt from the Standard Mark requirement.
Imported Components
Part of finished good or sub-assembly: screws imported as part of a finished good, sub-assembly or component are not covered by this order.
Import for Re-export
Re-export manufacturers: domestic manufacturers importing screws solely to manufacture products for export are exempt.
R&D Imports
Up to 200 kg/year for OEMs: such goods cannot be sold and must be scrapped, with year-wise financial records maintained and available on demand.
Smallest enterprises, full exemption: enterprises registered on the MSME Udyam Portal are fully exempt if investment in plant, machinery or equipment does not exceed ₹25 lakh, and turnover for the previous financial year does not exceed ₹2 crore, as certified by a Chartered Accountant. If you believe you qualify, ensure your Udyam registration is current and obtain formal CA certification proactively. Document this in case of inspection.
Compliance Obligations at a Glance
- Obtain BIS LicenceApply under Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018
- Conform to IS StandardsEnsure products meet the applicable Indian Standard listed above, including all current amendments
- Use the Standard MarkAll covered products must bear the ISI Mark under a valid BIS licence
- Maintain R&D Import RecordsYear-wise records signed by an authorised signatory, available on demand by government authorities
- Monitor Standard RevisionsBIS may revise standards; your QMS must track and respond to any future amendments
Penalty for Non-Compliance
Violations are punishable under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. Penalties can include monetary fines and, in serious cases, imprisonment. Manufacturing, importing or selling covered screws without the ISI Mark is an offence under this order.
BIS has authority to test market samples and take legal action against non-compliant manufacturers and importers. Do not wait for an enforcement visit. Proactive certification is the only safe path.
End-to-End BIS Certification Support
Omega QMS specialises in guiding fastener and hardware manufacturers through BIS licensing, documentation and quality system implementation:
- Gap analysis against all 14 applicable Indian Standards
- BIS licence application support and factory audit preparation
- ISI Mark implementation in your production and labelling process
- Ongoing standard amendment monitoring and updates
- MSME exemption eligibility assessment and documentation
- R&D import compliance record-keeping setup
Need BIS Certification for Cross Recessed Screws?
All compliance deadlines have passed. Contact us for an urgent gap assessment and end-to-end licensing support.
Reference: Cross Recessed Screws (Quality Control) Order, 2025, published by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry on 27 August 2025 under Section 16 of the BIS Act, 2016. S.O. 3927(E), Gazette No. 3822. Supersedes the Cross Recessed Screws (QCO) 2024.
