Material Measure of Length
Steel Tape Measures
Strategic Recommendations Steel Tape Measures - IS 1269 (Part 2):1997
- Start BIS Certification Process Early
Large enterprises must comply by 23 May 2024; Small by 23 August 2024; Micro by 23 November 2024. - Engage Compliance Experts (ERA)
Partner with ERA Compliance Team for BIS application preparation, lab coordination, and ISI mark labeling. - Support & Assistance
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp – For guidance on certification, testing, and exemption declarations. - Monitor Notifications & Standards Updates
Stay alert to BIS updates and amendments to IS 1269 through ERA Newsletter. - Ensure Proper Marking & Documentation
All steel tape measures must carry ISI mark before sale in India. Export-only production must be properly declared to claim exemption.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Steel Tape Measures |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 1269 (Part 2):1997 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Legal Metrology – Material Measure of Length – Steel Tape Measures |
| Quality Control Order | Legal Metrology – Material Measures of Length (Quality Control) Order, 2023 |
| Notification & Amendments | Notified via S.O. 5029(E), dated 21 November 2023, published in Gazette on 23 November 2023 |
| Final Enforcement Date | Large Enterprises: 23 May 2024 (6 months from notification), Small Enterprises: 23 August 2024 (9 months), Micro Enterprises: 23 November 2024 (12 months) |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure accuracy, reliability, and safety of steel tape measures used in trade, commerce, and legal metrology through mandatory BIS certification. |
| Products Covered | Steel tape measures used as material measures of length in industrial, commercial, and legal applications. |
| Exemptions | Products manufactured exclusively for export are exempt from mandatory compliance. |
| Industries Impacted | Measuring instrument manufacturers, Precision engineering & construction sector, Tool retailers & distributors, Legal metrology equipment suppliers. |
| Mandatory Compliance | Conformity to IS 1269 (Part 2):1997, ISI marking required, BIS license under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS license, Conduct testing in BIS-recognized labs, Update packaging with ISI mark, Declare export-only production for exemption. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Enforced under BIS Act, 2016; BIS is certification & enforcement authority; penalties apply for violations. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Seizure of non-compliant goods, suspension/cancellation of BIS license, fines, or imprisonment up to 2 years under BIS Act, 2016. |
| Conclusion | BIS certification is mandatory for all steel tape measures from enforcement deadlines. The 2023 QCO establishes accuracy, reliability, and consumer safety benchmarks. |
| References / Annexures | QCO 2023: S.O. 5029(E), dated 21 November 2023, Gazette Notification dated 23 November 2023 |
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Notification
The product Steel Tape Measures covered under Legal Metrology – Material Measures of Length (Quality Control) Order, 2023 was issued under the BIS Act, 2016 via S.O. 5029(E), dated 21 November 2023 and published in the Gazette on 23 November 2023. This Order mandates conformity to IS 1269 (Part 2):1997 for steel tape measures.
Enforcement Timeline
The Order becomes effective in stages:
- Large Enterprises by 23 May 2024 (6 months after notification),
- Small Enterprises by 23 August 2024 (9 months), and
- Micro Enterprises by 23 November 2024 (12 months).
Overview
IS 1269 (Part 2):1997 lays down technical specifications and quality requirements for steel tape measures. These instruments are widely used in construction, engineering, manufacturing, and retail trade where accuracy of length measurement is legally required.
Objective & Scope
The Order seeks to regulate the production and sale of steel tape measures, ensuring measurement precision, durability, and consumer safety through compliance with IS 1269 (Part 2):1997.
Products Covered
The scope includes steel tape measures intended for material measures of length in industrial, commercial, and legal metrology applications.
Exemptions Provided
Steel tape measures manufactured exclusively for export are exempted from mandatory BIS certification under this Order.
Industries Impacted
Manufacturers of steel measuring tapes, precision engineering and construction industries, and retail distributors of metrology tools are directly impacted.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
Steel tape measures must bear the ISI mark, obtained under a BIS license as per Scheme-I of BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018, after testing in BIS-recognized labs.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
Stakeholders must apply for BIS certification, arrange testing, and update packaging to display ISI mark. Export-oriented products must be declared for exemption.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The BIS is both certifying and enforcing authority under the BIS Act, 2016. Non-compliance attracts penalties including product seizure, cancellation of license, fines, and imprisonment up to 2 years.
Conclusion
From May 2024 onwards (depending on enterprise size), all steel tape measures sold domestically must carry BIS certification. The 2023 QCO secures measurement accuracy and strengthens consumer protection in India’s legal metrology framework.
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.