Other

Pipe-cutters, bolt croppers, perforating punches and similar hand tools

BIS QCO APPLICABLE · ISI MARK SCHEME · IS 4296

HSN 8203 40 90 (pipe-cutters, bolt croppers, perforating punches and similar hand tools) is covered by two Bureau of Indian Standards Quality Control Orders. Press tool-punches must conform to IS 4296 (Parts 1, 2 and 3):2015/2016 under the Press Tool-Punches (Quality Control) Order, 2020 with effect from 04 November 2020; combination side cutting pliers must conform to IS 3650:1981 under the Hand Tools (Quality Control) Order, 2025 with phased enforcement from 01 October 2026. Both regimes require an ISI Mark Scheme CM/L licence under Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

What this is

HSN code

8203 40 90

Chapter

82 · Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal

BIS QCO

Applicable · ISI Mark Scheme · CM/L required

Indian Standard

IS 4296 (Parts 1/2/3) · effective 04-11-2020

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

BISBIS·Bureau of Indian Standards

Compliance steps

1
Identify which product sub-type is being imported: press tool-punches (round punches, cylindrical-head punches) fall under IS 4296 Parts 1, 2 and 3 and are subject to the Press Tool-Punches QCO 2020; combination side cutting pliers fall under IS 3650:1981 and are subject to the Hand Tools QCO 2025. Source only from a BIS CM/L-licensed manufacturer against the applicable IS.
Press Tool-Punches (Quality Control) Order, 2020 · S.O. 3994(E) dated 04-11-2020; Hand Tools (Quality Control) Order, 2025 · S.O. 5596(E) dated 04-12-2025
2
Verify the supplier's CM/L licence number on the BIS online register before placing the purchase order. Confirm the licensed product scope covers the specific part number and standard (IS 4296 Part 1, Part 2 or Part 3 as applicable, or IS 3650:1981) and that the licensed manufacturing facility matches the actual production site.
Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 · S.O. 3994(E) dated 04-11-2020 · S.O. 5596(E) dated 04-12-2025
3
Ensure every product bears the ISI mark and the supplier's CM/L number on the product itself. The standard mark must be applied in accordance with Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018; marking on packaging alone is insufficient.
Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 · Press Tool-Punches (Quality Control) Order, 2020 · Hand Tools (Quality Control) Order, 2025
4
Quote the supplier's BIS CM/L number on the bill of entry. Customs verifies the CM/L in real time against the BIS register; an absent, expired, or product-scope-mismatched licence triggers consignment detention, demurrage, and potential re-export or confiscation.
BIS Act, 2016 · Customs Act, 1962 · S.O. 3994(E) dated 04-11-2020 · S.O. 5596(E) dated 04-12-2025
5
For IS 3650:1981 (combination side cutting pliers), note the phased enforcement dates: general enterprises from 01-10-2026, small enterprises from 01-01-2027, micro enterprises from 01-04-2027. Research-and-development imports of up to 200 units per year by hand tool manufacturers are exempt, provided the goods are not sold commercially and year-wise records are maintained.
Hand Tools (Quality Control) Order, 2025 · S.O. 5596(E) dated 04-12-2025

A word of counsel

The single most common error on this tariff line is treating the two QCOs as interchangeable — sourcing a CM/L licensed against IS 3650:1981 for a consignment of press tool-punches, or vice versa. Each QCO is product-specific: a CM/L valid for IS 3650:1981 combination pliers confers no compliance cover for IS 4296 press tool-punches, and customs will detain the consignment on a standard-number mismatch against the BIS register regardless of how current the licence otherwise appears.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8203 40 90 require BIS certification?

Yes. Press tool-punches require a BIS CM/L licence against IS 4296 (Parts 1, 2 and 3) under the ISI Mark Scheme with effect from 04 November 2020. Combination side cutting pliers require a CM/L against IS 3650:1981 under the same scheme, with phased enforcement commencing 01 October 2026.

When do the Hand Tools QCO 2025 obligations for combination pliers take effect?

Enforcement is phased: 01-10-2026 for general enterprises, 01-01-2027 for small enterprises, and 01-04-2027 for micro enterprises, per S.O. 5596(E) dated 04-12-2025.

Is there any exemption from BIS certification for research and development imports?

Yes, under the Hand Tools (Quality Control) Order, 2025. Hand tool manufacturers may import up to 200 units per year for R&D without BIS certification, provided the goods are not sold commercially, are disposed of as scrap, and year-wise records are maintained and furnished to government authorities on demand.

Does a single CM/L licence cover all product sub-types under HSN 8203 40 90?

No. The CM/L is standard-specific and part-specific; a licence against IS 4296 Part 1 does not cover Parts 2 or 3, and neither covers IS 3650:1981 combination pliers. Each product type and IS part requires a separately scoped licence.

Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-16. Source: BIS / Indian Customs CUSDATA.