Bolts, Nuts and Fasteners
Hexagon Head Bolts - Grades A & B (Size Range M1.6 to M64)
Strategic Recommendations for Hexagon Head Bolts (Grades A & B, IS 1364 Part 1:2018)
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Start the BIS Scheme-I licence application process, complete product testing as per IS 1364 (Part 1):2018, and align with phased enforcement dates (1 Aug 2024 / 1 Nov 2024 / 1 Feb 2025). - Partner with Compliance Experts
Work with the ERA Compliance Team for documentation, lab testing, BIS licence filing, ISI marking approval, and exemption declarations. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp –
Support available for filing assistance, lab coordination, and compliance with import restrictions, spares, and R&D provisions. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to the ERA Newsletter for real-time updates on the Fasteners QCO, 2024 and subsequent BIS notifications. - Conduct a Gap Assessment
Review all bolt SKUs for compliance with IS 1364 (Part 1):2018. Verify ISI marking, packaging, and testing readiness. Declare non-marked stock within timelines to avail exemptions and avoid penalties.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Hexagon Head Bolts (Grades A & B). |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 1364 (Part 1):2018. |
| Title of Indian Standard | Hexagon Head Bolts, Screws and Nuts of Product Grades A and B – Hexagon Head Bolts (Size Range M1.6 to M64). |
| Quality Control Order | Bolts, Nuts and Fasteners (Quality Control) Order, 2024. |
| Notification & Amendments | Notified via S.O. 2771(E), dated 12 July 2024. Supersedes: Bolts, Nuts and Fasteners (Quality Control) Order, 2023 (S.O. 3267(E), dated 21 July 2023). |
| Final Enforcement Date | For Large Enterprises: 1 August 2024, For Small Enterprises: 1 November 2024, For Micro Enterprises: 1 February 2025. |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure safety, durability, and reliability of Grades A & B hexagon head bolts by mandating BIS certification under IS 1364 (Part 1):2018, covering precise engineering applications requiring higher accuracy and strength. |
| Products Covered | Hexagon Head Bolts (Grades A & B) – Sizes M1.6 to M64. |
| Exemptions | - Products meant exclusively for export. - Imports as part of finished goods/sub-assemblies. - Enterprises registered on Udyam Portal with plant & machinery cost ≤ ₹25 lakh and turnover ≤ ₹2 crore (previous FY). - R&D imports up to 200 kg/year. - Import substitution allowance: 80% (2024-25), 70% (2025-26), 50% (2026-27). - Spares/after-sales service: up to 5% of 2023-24 imports. |
| Industries Impacted | Automotive & Transport, Aerospace & Precision Engineering, Machinery & Equipment, Construction & Structural Steelworks. |
| Mandatory Compliance | ISI marking mandatory under BIS license (Scheme-I of BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018). |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS license, Complete testing in BIS-recognized labs, Declare old/imported stock for exemptions, Ensure ISI marking before sale/import. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Enforced under BIS Act, 2016. BIS is the certifying authority; violation punishable under the Act. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Seizure of non-compliant goods, suspension/cancellation of license, fines, imprisonment up to 2 years or both. |
| Conclusion | BIS certification is mandatory for hexagon head bolts (Grades A & B, M1.6–M64) as per IS 1364 (Part 1):2018. The 2024 QCO replaces the 2023 Order, with staggered enforcement dates for large, small, and micro enterprises. |
| References / Annexures | QCO 2024: S.O. 2771(E) [12 July 2024] Superseded QCO 2023: S.O. 3267(E) [21 July 2023] |
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Notification
Hexagon Head Bolts of Product Grades A and B (IS 1364 Part 1:2018) have been notified under the Bolts, Nuts and Fasteners (Quality Control) Order, 2024, issued via S.O. 2771(E) dated 12 July 2024 by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry under the BIS Act, 2016. The 2024 Order superseded the earlier QCO of 2023 and makes it mandatory for manufacturers, importers, and distributors to comply with BIS certification.
Enforcement Timeline
- Large and Medium Enterprises: 1 August 2024
- Small Enterprises: 1 November 2024
- Micro Enterprises: 1 February 2025
Overview
Hexagon head bolts are among the most widely used fasteners in structural, engineering, automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery applications. IS 1364 (Part 1):2018 specifies the requirements for Grades A and B hexagon head bolts, which have tighter tolerances and higher precision than Grade C bolts (covered under IS 1363). These fasteners are critical in load-bearing joints, offering high strength, uniformity, and interchangeability across different sectors.
Objective & Scope
The objective of IS 1364 (Part 1):2018 is to ensure dimensional precision, mechanical strength, and quality consistency in hexagon head bolts of Grades A and B. The scope covers requirements related to materials, manufacturing tolerances, mechanical properties, surface finish, heat treatment, corrosion resistance, and testing protocols. The standard ensures that bolts provide reliable fastening under dynamic and static loads, with a strong emphasis on interchangeability across industries.
Products Covered
This standard applies to Hexagon Head Bolts of Product Grades A and B, in the size range M1.6 to M64. These bolts are typically produced using carbon steel or alloy steel and are used in precision engineering, structural frameworks, high-performance machinery, automotive systems, and industrial applications where strength and accuracy are paramount.
Exemptions Provided
The 2024 QCO provides the following exemptions:
- Bolts manufactured domestically exclusively for export.
- Bolts imported as part of a finished product, sub-assembly, or component.
- Bolts produced by micro-enterprises registered on the Udyam Portal, with plant & machinery investment ≤ ₹25 lakhs and turnover ≤ ₹2 crores.
- 3-year exemption for manufacturers importing fasteners solely for use in export-oriented manufacturing.
- Imports of up to 200 kg annually allowed for research and development purposes.
- Up to 5% of 2023–24 import value permitted for use in spares and after-sales service.
Industries Impacted
- Fastener and Bolt Manufacturers – direct compliance burden under BIS.
- Construction & Infrastructure – dependent on certified bolts for structural safety.
- Automotive & Aerospace – rely on high-strength, precision fasteners for safety-critical components.
- Heavy Machinery & Engineering Units – require BIS-marked bolts for assembly.
- Importers & Exporters – subject to certification requirements with conditional exemptions.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
- All bolts under IS 1364 (Part 1):2018 must bear the ISI mark.
- Certification is mandatory under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
- Testing must be conducted at BIS-recognized laboratories.
- Packaging must clearly display the ISI mark before distribution or sale.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Manufacturers: Apply for BIS certification, upgrade production/testing facilities, and ensure ISI-marked packaging.
- Importers: Align with exemption rules, maintain detailed records, and submit compliance declarations to authorities.
- OEMs & Assemblers: Update procurement processes to source only BIS-certified bolts.
- Industry Associations: Assist SMEs in navigating certification timelines and compliance requirements.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
Compliance is governed under the BIS Act, 2016. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the certifying and enforcement authority. Non-compliance can result in product seizure, withdrawal of BIS licenses, financial penalties, and imprisonment up to two years, or both.
Conclusion
From 1 August 2024 (with staggered deadlines for SMEs), Hexagon Head Bolts of Grades A and B (IS 1364 Part 1:2018, M1.6–M64) must comply with BIS certification and carry the ISI mark. The 2024 QCO replaces the 2023 Order, significantly enhancing quality assurance in precision-grade fasteners. Manufacturers, importers, and end-users must ensure timely compliance to avoid legal risks and supply chain disruptions.
Ready to start your certification journey?
Let us help you navigate regulatory challenges and achieve certification with ease. Leave us your details, and we’ll get back to you—or request a free consultation today.