Cross Recessed Screws (Quality Control) Order, 2025 Exemption Order

The Cross Recessed Screws (Quality Control) Order, 2025, marks an important regulatory step toward improving the quality and safety of fasteners used across various industries in India. Under this order, cross recessed screws must meet specified Indian Standards and carry the BIS Standard Mark before they can be manufactured, imported, or sold in the country.

The regulation applies to both domestic manufacturers and importers, ensuring that only tested and certified products enter the Indian market. To support innovation and trade, certain exemptions have been provided, including for export-oriented goods, screws used as components in finished products, and limited imports for research and development. Additionally, Micro and Small Enterprises (MSMEs) have been granted phased timelines for compliance, helping smaller businesses adapt without operational disruption while maintaining product quality and safety.

Major Updates under Cross Recessed Screws (Quality Control) Order

The extended deadlines for BIS Certification of Cross Recessed Screw are an incentive for small and micro manufacturers to facilitate an easier transition towards compliance with the new QCO quality requirements. The deadline set for commencement of the QCO is 1st November 2025. However, there is a provision of special compliance dates for small businesses where:

• Small Enterprises: The Date of mandatory compliance is 1st February 2026. 
• Micro Enterprises: The Date of mandatory compliance is 1st May 2026.

Transfer of Responsibility to the Ministry of Steel

On November 4, 2025, The Government expanded its support for launching into production by transferring responsibility for Iron and Steel Products to the iron and Steel Manufacturing Industries under the Ministry of Steel. The Cross Recessed Screws listed within these chapters of Iron and Steel Products, and therefore, the Ministry of Steel is the Nodal Authority that will implement and monitor the QCO for these products. Please note that this transfer applies to all products contained within:

• Chapters 72 (4 HSN codes)
• Chapters 73 (250 HSN Codes)

One-Time Exemption for In-Transit Consignments under QCO Order

Multiple requests for relief have been made by various stakeholders in the steel industry to the Ministry of Steel in relation to consignments that arrive at Indian ports before the implementation of the QC Orders. After consultation with industry representatives and consideration of the information submitted, the Ministry decided to grant an exemption from the QC Order. This exemption only applies to shipments arriving during this period and has been created to prevent disruption to the steel industry’s trade/supply chains.

• Exemption Dates: 

Consignments arriving at the port with inward entry dates from November 1, 2025, to January 12, 2026, will be exempt from compliance with the Quality Control Order.

Key Takeaways for Manufacturers and Importers

Here are the recent highlights of the Cross Recessed Screws Order that we have mentioned below:

• From November 1, 2025, QCO compliance will be strictly enforced for Cross Recessed Screws. 
• The compliance deadlines for Small and Micro Enterprises have been extended. 
• As of now, the QCO will be managed and enforced by the Ministry of Steel with a single exemption for consignments that are entered between November 1, 2025, and January 12, 2026. 
• New consignments that are entered after this date will have to comply completely with QCO requirements.

Summing Up!

The Cross Recessed Screws (Quality Control Exemption Order) 2025 provides temporary relief to manufacturers and importers for goods in transit, while still prioritising safety and quality concerns. You must ensure complete compliance with further shipments if they want to avoid penalty charges or delays. For more such updates and orders, connect with ERCS Private Limited.