Bolts, Nuts and Fasteners
Indicating Bolts for Use in Public Baths and Lavatories
Strategic Recommendations for Indicating Bolts used in public baths or lavatories (IS 4621:1975)
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Begin BIS Scheme-I licence application, complete product testing for IS 4621:1975, and align with enforcement dates (1 Aug 2024 / 1 Nov 2024 / 1 Feb 2025). - Partner with Compliance Experts
Consult QCO/BIS specialists (ERA Compliance Team) for documentation, lab testing, ISI marking, and exemption filings. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp – Assistance for filing, lab coordination, and compliance with import/spares/R&D limits. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to the ERA Newsletter for real-time updates on the 2024 QCO and BIS notifications. Ensure timely filing for exemptions (export-linked imports, import caps, R&D, spares) and maintain records as prescribed. - Do a Gap Assessment
Check all indicating bolt SKUs for compliance; verify marking, packaging, and testing readiness; declare non-marked stock within deadlines to avail exemptions.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Indicating Bolts (for public baths and lavatories). |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 4621:1975. |
| Title of Indian Standard | Indicating Bolts for Use in Public Baths and Lavatories. |
| 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 regulate the quality, safety, and reliability of indicating bolts used in public sanitation spaces, ensuring user privacy, durability, and smooth operation by mandating BIS certification. |
| Products Covered | Indicating bolts for bath and lavatory doors (with “engaged/vacant” indicator function). |
| 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 | Hardware & Sanitary Fittings, Public Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Hospitality & Facilities Management. |
| 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 indicating bolts (IS 4621:1975) under the 2024 QCO, with staggered timelines for enterprises, replacing the earlier 2023 Order. |
| 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
Indicating Bolts for use in public baths and lavatories (IS 4621:1975) 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. This Order superseded the earlier QCO of 2023 and mandates BIS certification for indicating bolts used in sanitary applications.
Enforcement Timeline
- Large and Medium Enterprises: 1 August 2024
- Small Enterprises: 1 November 2024
- Micro Enterprises: 1 February 2025
Overview
Indicating bolts are special fasteners designed with a built-in indicator to show whether a bath cubicle or lavatory is occupied or vacant. They play a critical role in public sanitation facilities, enhancing usability, safety, and convenience for users. IS 4621:1975 lays down standard specifications for these bolts to ensure durability, mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and proper functioning of the indicating mechanism.
Objective & Scope
The purpose of IS 4621:1975 is to regulate the design, quality, and performance of indicating bolts so that they function reliably in public hygiene facilities. The scope covers materials, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, dimensional requirements, and performance of the indicator display. The standard ensures bolts withstand frequent usage, provide clear occupancy indication, and maintain safety and privacy in public restrooms.
Products Covered
This standard applies to Indicating Bolts specifically designed for use in public baths, lavatories, and sanitary cubicles. These bolts typically combine a mechanical locking system with a visible indicator (e.g., “Engaged/ Vacant”) and are produced using metals such as stainless steel, brass, or coated alloys for durability and hygiene.
Exemptions Provided
The following exemptions are specified in the 2024 QCO:
- Indicating bolts manufactured exclusively for export.
- Indicating bolts imported as part of a finished good, sub-assembly, or component.
- Products manufactured by micro-enterprises registered on the Udyam Portal, with investment ≤ ₹25 lakhs and turnover ≤ ₹2 crores.
- 3-year exemption for imports used in export-oriented production.
- Import of up to 200 kg annually for research and development purposes.
- Up to 5% of the 2023–24 import value of fasteners allowed for after-sales service and spares.
Industries Impacted
- Fastener Manufacturers – responsible for compliance with BIS certification.
- Public Infrastructure & Sanitation Contractors – must procure BIS-marked indicating bolts for washroom construction.
- Hospitality & Tourism Industry – hotels, malls, and airports requiring certified sanitation fittings.
- Government & Urban Sanitation Programs – especially in public washroom projects under Swachh Bharat Mission and Smart Cities initiatives.
- Importers & Exporters – subject to compliance requirements and conditional exemptions.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
- Indicating bolts under IS 4621:1975 must bear the ISI mark.
- BIS certification is mandatory under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
- Products must be tested in BIS-approved laboratories.
- Packaging and labeling must prominently carry the ISI mark before sale or installation.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Manufacturers: Apply for BIS certification, ensure compliance with dimensional and indicator quality standards, and label packaging with ISI marking.
- Importers: Align with exemption provisions, maintain proper records, and file declarations for imported stock.
- Construction & Sanitation Project Managers: Revise procurement policies to ensure only BIS-certified indicating bolts are installed in facilities.
- Industry Associations: Provide awareness and support for SMEs to transition smoothly into compliance.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The BIS is the designated certification and enforcement authority under the BIS Act, 2016. Non-compliance may result in product seizure, fines, suspension of licenses, and imprisonment up to two years, or both.
Conclusion
From 1 August 2024 (with staggered timelines for SMEs), Indicating Bolts for use in public baths and lavatories (IS 4621:1975) must conform to BIS certification and carry the ISI mark. The 2024 QCO strengthens quality standards for fasteners used in sanitation infrastructure, ensuring user safety, privacy, and durability in public facilities. Timely compliance is essential to avoid penalties and to support public hygiene initiatives in India.
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.