Govt Mandates Quality Standards For Hinges To Boost Domestic Manufacturing

(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Mar 26 (KNN) The Indian government has introduced mandatory quality norms for hinges, aiming to improve manufacturing standards and reduce imports of substandard goods.

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) issued the Hinges (Quality Control) Order, 2025 on March 21, establishing comprehensive regulations for hinge production and trade.

Under the new regulations, all hinges must bear the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mark to be produced, sold, traded, imported, or stocked.

The order includes specific exemptions: hinges manufactured for export purposes and up to 200 articles imported annually for research and development by manufacturers are not subject to these requirements.

Penalties for non-compliance are substantial. Violations of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 can result in significant legal consequences, including imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of at least Rs 2 lakh for first-time offenders.

Subsequent offenses could incur fines of a minimum Rs 5 lakh, potentially extending up to ten times the value of the goods.

The government views this quality control order (QCO) as part of a broader strategy to enhance manufacturing quality and protect consumer interests.

By implementing such standards, authorities aim to prevent unfair trade practices, ensure product safety, and support domestic manufacturing ecosystems.

This is not an isolated initiative. Similar quality control orders have previously been implemented for various products, including smart meters, welding rods, cookware, fire extinguishers, electric ceiling fans, and domestic gas stoves.

The hinge QCO will be implemented from July 1, 2025, giving manufacturers and importers time to adapt to the new requirements.

(KNN Bureau)

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