Wrenches

Adjustable wrenches, pipe wrenches and open-jaw wrenches

BIS QCO APPLICABLE · ISI MARK SCHEME · IS 4123

HSN 8204 12 20 (adjustable wrenches) is covered by a Bureau of Indian Standards Quality Control Order. Conformity to IS 4123:1982, IS 6149:1984, IS 4003 (Part 1):1978, and IS 4003 (Part 2):1986 is mandatory under the ISI Mark Scheme pursuant to the Hand Tools (Quality Control) Order, 2025, notified as S.O. 5596(E) dated 04-12-2025. Implementation applies to general importers from 01-10-2026, small enterprises from 01-01-2027, and micro enterprises from 01-04-2027.

What this is

HSN code

8204 12 20

Chapter

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

BIS QCO

Applicable · ISI Mark Scheme · CM/L required

Indian Standard

IS 4123 · effective 01-10-2026

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

BISBIS·Bureau of Indian Standards

Compliance steps

1
Verify the foreign manufacturer holds a current BIS CM/L licence against the applicable standard for the specific wrench type being imported: IS 4123:1982 for chain pipe wrenches, IS 6149:1984 for single-ended open-jaw adjustable wrenches, IS 4003 (Part 1):1978 for general-purpose pipe wrenches, and IS 4003 (Part 2):1986 for heavy-duty pipe wrenches. Confirm the licensed scope and manufacturing facility on the BIS online register before placing the purchase order.
Hand Tools (Quality Control) Order, 2025 · S.O. 5596(E) dated 04-12-2025 · Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018
2
Ensure each wrench in the consignment bears the ISI mark and the supplier's CM/L licence number. Marking must appear on the product itself; marking only on packaging does not satisfy the requirement under Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 · Hand Tools (Quality Control) Order, 2025 · S.O. 5596(E) dated 04-12-2025
3
Confirm which implementation date applies to your enterprise category before each import: 01-10-2026 for general importers, 01-01-2027 for small enterprises, 01-04-2027 for micro enterprises. Enterprises qualifying as micro or small must document their MSME status to assert the deferred implementation date at customs.
Hand Tools (Quality Control) Order, 2025 · S.O. 5596(E) dated 04-12-2025
4
Quote the supplier's BIS CM/L number on the bill of entry and ensure the IS standard cited matches the specific wrench type in the consignment. Customs verifies the CM/L in real time against the BIS register; an absent, expired, or scope-mismatched licence triggers consignment detention.
Hand Tools (Quality Control) Order, 2025 · S.O. 5596(E) dated 04-12-2025 · BIS Act, 2016 · Customs Act, 1962
5
If importing up to 200 units per year for research and development purposes, prepare and retain documentation establishing manufacturer status, the R&D purpose, and a commitment that the goods will not be sold commercially and will be disposed of as scrap. Maintain a year-wise record and produce it if required by government authorities.
Hand Tools (Quality Control) Order, 2025 · S.O. 5596(E) dated 04-12-2025 — R&D exemption clause

A word of counsel

The single most common error on this tariff line is treating a single CM/L licence as covering all wrench types in a mixed consignment. Each Indian Standard maps to a distinct wrench category — IS 4123:1982 to chain pipe wrenches, IS 6149:1984 to single-ended open-jaw adjustable wrenches, IS 4003 (Part 1):1978 to general-purpose pipe wrenches, and IS 4003 (Part 2):1986 to heavy-duty pipe wrenches — and the licensed scope is type-specific. A supplier's CM/L against IS 4123:1982 alone does not authorise ISI-marked supply of open-jaw wrenches; a mixed shipment with a partially covered scope risks detention of the uncovered product lines at port.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8204 12 20 require BIS certification?

Yes. Adjustable wrenches under this tariff line must conform to the applicable Indian Standard and bear the ISI mark under a CM/L licence from the Bureau of Indian Standards, pursuant to the Hand Tools (Quality Control) Order, 2025 notified as S.O. 5596(E) dated 04-12-2025.

Which Indian Standard applies to my specific wrench type?

IS 4123:1982 covers chain pipe wrenches; IS 6149:1984 covers single-ended open-jaw adjustable wrenches; IS 4003 (Part 1):1978 covers general-purpose pipe wrenches; and IS 4003 (Part 2):1986 covers heavy-duty pipe wrenches. Each CM/L licence must match the wrench type in the consignment.

When does the BIS QCO obligation take effect, and does the date vary by enterprise size?

Yes. The obligation applies from 01-10-2026 for general importers, from 01-01-2027 for small enterprises, and from 01-04-2027 for micro enterprises. Enterprise category must be documented to assert a deferred date at customs.

Is there any exemption from the QCO for research and development imports?

Yes. Up to 200 units per year may be imported without ISI marking for R&D purposes by manufacturers of hand tools, provided the goods are not sold commercially, are disposed of as scrap, and a year-wise record is maintained for inspection by government authorities.

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