Cross Recessed Screws (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026 - Detailed Information

The Ministry of Steel issued a new amendment order on 20th June 2026, S.O. 3298(E) Cross Recessed Screws (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026. This amendment postpones the enforcement of mandatory BIS Certification requirements for certain categories of cross-recessed screws covered by serial numbers 12, 13, and 14 of the original QCO 2025. The products will be postponed for 3 years from the date of publication.

These three years will provide manufacturers, importers, and foreign exporters with additional time to align their products with the required Indian Standard without facing any immediate regulatory obligations.

Key Highlights under Cross Recessed Screws (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026

Under the Amendment Order, 2026, the BIS Certification will not be mandatory for the screw categories covered under Serial numbers 12, 13, and 14 for the next 3 years. It is important to note that this is a temporary extension and not a long-term exemption from the BIS requirements. Manufacturers and importers should utilise this time frame for preparation for future compliance with BIS certification requirements. All other Screws categories under the QCO will remain subject to their existing compliance requirement.

Cross recessed screws are identified by a cross-shaped slot on the head of the screw, commonly referred to as Phillips screws. They are used in various items of furniture, electronics, vehicles, buildings, etc. The initial Cross Recessed Screws QCO 2025 required all items across various categories of cross-recessed screws to possess BIS certification.

Which Products Are Affected by the Amendment?

Below you can go through the list of products affected under the new Amendment Order 2026: 

Impact of Cross Recessed Screws QCO Amendment on Domestic Manufacturers 

The impact of the amendment order on domestic manufacturers is as follows: 

• An additional 3-year period of time to prepare for compliance with BIS.
• Less immediate regulatory compliance/certification burden.
• More time to align products to relevant Indian Standards.
• Enable effective planning of product compliance testing and certification.
• Help prevent issues with manufacturing/disruption to supply chains.
• Allow time for businesses to prepare for and budget future Compliance projects.

Impact on Importers and Foreign Manufacturers of the Recent Amendment Order, 2026

Foreign manufacturers or Importers get affected by the Quality Control amendment order in the following way: 

• Continued importation and distribution of affected goods in the absence of immediate BIS Certification requirements
• Reduced Short-Term Compliance Costs and Administrative Requirements
• More time to learn about the Indian regulatory requirements
• Greater ease of access during the deferral period
• Ability to continue unbroken Export of Goods to India.

Why Has the Government Deferred Enforcement?

Although the reasons for deferring the Cross Recessed Screws (Quality Control) Amendment Order of 2026 were never explicitly stated, it can be assumed that this is simply an attempt to make implementing BIS certification less problematic and/or easier for those required to comply with the regulations.

By deferring the Regulation, the Government has shown its willingness to continue encouraging compliance with the Regulation while seeking to balance product quality and compliance with practical implementation time frames. It is hoped that providing manufacturers and importers with an additional three years to achieve compliance will help make them more ready to comply with the Regulation and thus reduce interference with their operations and trade during that time.

What Should Manufacturers and Importers Do Next?

If you are a manufacturer, importer, or foreign manufacturer, you should take a three-year deferral to prepare for compliance with BIS requirements. You should also follow the following steps:

• Confirm product categorisation into serial numbers in accordance with the Quality Control Order (Serial numbers 12, 13, or 14) 
• Prepare all technical documentation, product specifications and quality records.
• Plan testing of your product through testing by a laboratory recognised by the BIS.
• If needed, improve quality control and manufacturing practices.
• Work with your suppliers and business associates regarding future compliance obligations.
• Keep up to date on regulatory changes from the BIS and the Ministry of Steel.
• Before the end of your deferment period, you need to have a clear road map for obtaining BIS certification before the deferment period ends.
• Obtain professional assistance and guidance to ensure you will be fully compliant at the end of the three-year deferment.

Conclusion

The Cross Recessed Screws (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026, help to reduce the regulatory burden on manufacturers, importers and foreign exporters, but it should not be construed as a permanent exemption from compliance obligations.

The extended period should be used strategically by businesses to become aware of applicable Indian Standards, conduct product assessments, prepare documentation, and plan for future BIS requirements. ERCS Private Limited provides end-to-end support for navigating the process efficiently and offers easy access to the Indian market for both manufacturers and importers.