The Indian government has taken a significant step to curb the influx of substandard hinges by introducing the Hinges (Quality Control) Order, 2025, which mandates that hinges must bear the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification mark to be produced, sold, traded, imported, or stocked in the country. Issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on March 21, 2025, the order will come into effect from July 1, 2025.

Objective of the Hinges (Quality Control) Order, 2025

The new quality control order is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to prevent the import of low-quality hinges, promote domestic manufacturing, and protect consumers by ensuring that only high-quality, certified hinges reach the market. Similar BIS compliance mandates have been introduced for a variety of products in the past, such as smart meters, welding rods, cookware, fire extinguishers, electric ceiling fans, and domestic gas stoves.

The order stipulates that only hinges bearing the BIS mark will be permitted in the Indian market. Domestically manufactured hinges intended for export and up to 200 imported hinges annually for research and development (R&D) purposes will be exempt, provided these items are not sold commercially.

Penalty for Non-Compliance

Violating the BIS Act under the Hinges (Quality Control) Order, 2025, can attract severe penalties. As per the order:

• First Offence: Punishable by imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of at least Rs. 2 lakh (US$ 2,333).

• Subsequent Offences: The fine will increase to a minimum of Rs. 5 lakh (US$ 5,834) and may extend up to 10 times the value of the goods or articles involved in the offence.

These stringent penalties aim to deter manufacturers, importers, and traders from compromising on quality and ensure adherence to established standards.

Why the New BIS Mandate is Important

1. Curbing Substandard Imports: India has witnessed a surge in low-quality imported hinges, particularly from countries with lax quality standards. By enforcing BIS compliance, the government aims to eliminate such products from the domestic market.

2. Boosting Domestic Production: The quality control order is expected to encourage domestic manufacturers to ramp up production of high-quality hinges that meet BIS standards, thereby reducing dependency on imports.

3. Enhancing Consumer Safety: Poor-quality hinges can lead to safety hazards and reduce the durability of furniture, doors, and windows. The BIS certification ensures that consumers get reliable and durable products.

Scope and Exemptions Under the Order

The Hinges (Quality Control) Order, 2025, applies to:

• All hinges produced, sold, imported, traded, or stocked in India.

• Exemptions include:

  • Hinges manufactured for export purposes.

  • Up to 200 imported hinges per year for R&D purposes, provided they are not sold commercially.

Similar Quality Control Orders in the Past

The DPIIT has previously implemented similar orders to regulate the quality of various products in India, including:

• Smart Meters: Ensuring accurate energy consumption data.

• Welding Rods: Guaranteeing structural integrity in industrial applications.

• Cookware and Domestic Gas Stoves: Enhancing consumer safety.

• Electric Ceiling Fans: Promoting energy efficiency.

• Fire Extinguishers: Ensuring reliability in emergency situations.

Impact on the Industry

1. Increased Compliance Costs: Manufacturers and importers will need to ensure their products meet BIS standards, potentially leading to higher compliance costs.

2. Enhanced Competitiveness for Domestic Producers: With a level playing field, domestic manufacturers who comply with the norms can expect increased demand and greater market share.

3. Reduced Low-Quality Imports: Importers will have to align with stringent quality norms, reducing the influx of substandard products.

Steps for Manufacturers and Importers

To comply with the Hinges (Quality Control) Order, 2025, businesses must:

• Obtain BIS Certification: Ensure that all hinges produced or imported meet the BIS quality standards.

• Conduct Regular Quality Audits: Implement stringent quality control measures to avoid non-compliance.

• Monitor Supply Chains: Track imported products to ensure that only certified hinges enter the domestic market.

Conclusion

The Hinges (Quality Control) Order, 2025 is a vital step by the government to ensure that only high-quality hinges are available in the Indian market, safeguarding consumer safety and boosting domestic production. By enforcing BIS certification and imposing strict penalties for non-compliance, the government aims to curb the import of substandard products while encouraging manufacturers to meet high-quality standards. With this mandate, India is moving closer to establishing itself as a market driven by quality, innovation, and consumer protection.

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