Ensuring Fastener Quality with IS 18480 (Part 2): 2023 and Omega QMS Pvt. Ltd.'s Role in BIS Certification

Komal15 July 2025

Introduction

India’s manufacturing and engineering sectors rely heavily on standard-compliant fasteners to ensure product safety, reliability, and global competitiveness. Among such standards, IS 18480 (Part 2): 2023, which aligns with ISO 7050:2011, plays a crucial role. It specifies technical requirements for cross-recessed countersunk (flat) head tapping screws, widely used in applications across electronics, automotive, construction, and general engineering.

Ensuring compliance with such standards is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the national body responsible for standardization and certification. Supporting industries in achieving BIS certification, Omega QMS Pvt. Ltd. has emerged as a key partner in quality assurance and regulatory compliance.

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IS 18480 (Part 2): 2023 — Overview of the Indian Standard

IS 18480 (Part 2): 2023 lays down specifications for cross-recessed tapping screws with countersunk (flat) heads. These screws are essential for creating strong, self-tapping joints in materials like metal, plastic, and wood.

Key highlights of the standard:

Thread sizes range from ST 2.2 to ST 9.5.
Recess types include H (standard cross) and Z (deep cross).
Material specifications cover steel (as per ISO 2702) and stainless steel (as per ISO 3506-4).
Finish and coating requirements are detailed, including electroplating and non-electrolytic zinc flake coatings (ISO 4042, ISO 10683).
The standard mandates dimensional tolerances, mechanical properties, and acceptance inspection criteriabased on multiple ISO standards.

The document is part of a 3-part series:

Part 1: Pan Head Screws
Part 2: Countersunk (Flat) Head Screws
Part 3: Raised Countersunk (Oval) Head Screws

This harmonization with ISO enables Indian manufacturers to meet global market demands while maintaining domestic regulatory compliance.

BIS Certification: The Compliance Imperative

BIS certification is mandatory for many industrial components to ensure:

Public safety
Environmental protection
Uniform product quality
Market trust and consumer confidence

Under BIS Act, 2016, manufacturers producing items under standards like IS 18480 (Part 2) are required to apply for ISI Mark Certification.

Omega QMS Pvt. Ltd.: A Catalyst for Compliance

Omega QMS Pvt. Ltd. is a trusted consultancy firm specializing in BIS, ISO, WPC, and other regulatory certifications. Their expertise significantly streamlines the complex process of obtaining BIS certification for manufacturers.

Role in BIS Certification:

Pre-assessment & Gap Analysis: Omega QMS identifies discrepancies between a client’s current manufacturing practices and the requirements of IS 18480 (Part 2).
Documentation Assistance: They help prepare technical files, quality manuals, test reports, and all documents necessary for BIS submission.
Liaison with BIS Authorities: Omega QMS facilitates communication and coordination with BIS, ensuring efficient processing and scheduling of factory inspections.
Testing Support: They guide clients in selecting BIS-approved labs and ensure products undergo the correct set of tests as per the standard.
Post-Certification Compliance: Omega QMS helps clients maintain compliance through periodic audits, renewal filings, and updates for any standard revisions.
Training & Capacity Building: They provide customized training programs for quality teams to uphold standard-compliant manufacturing practices.

Conclusion

With the adoption of IS 18480 (Part 2): 2023, India aligns itself more closely with international norms for tapping screws, thereby promoting both quality and competitiveness. Omega QMS Pvt. Ltd.’s contribution as a BIS certification facilitator ensures that Indian manufacturers can seamlessly comply with such critical standards, maintain high-quality production, and access both domestic and international markets.

In a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, standards and support partners like Omega QMS are not just beneficial—they are essential.