BIS Hyderabad raids steel hinges factory in Sangareddy, seizes fake ISI-marked hinges

Hyderabad: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Hyderabad, seized a substantial stock of door steel butt hinges bearing spurious ISI mark. The officials found that all of them were manufactured without a valid licence from BIS.

The illegal manufacture was found during a search and seizure operation on Monday at a manufacturing unit located in TSIIC Pashamylaram, Sangareddy District, for violation of the BIS Act, 2016.

What is the violation?

This illegal manufacture constitutes a clear violation of Section 17(3) of the BIS Act, 2016, which prohibits any person or entity from using or applying the BIS Standard Mark—or any imitation thereof—on products without a valid licence from the Bureau.

In addition to this, the public is also informed that various types of hinges have recently been brought under mandatory BIS certification through a Quality Control Order (QCO) issued by the Government of India. As per this order, the manufacture, storage, sale, or distribution of hinges without an ISI mark and a valid BIS licence is strictly prohibited.

What is the penalty?

BIS emphasises that unauthorised use of the ISI mark or manufacture or sale of notified products without valid BIS certification is a violation of the BIS Act 2016 and is punishable with imprisonment of up to two years, or a fine of not less than Rs 2 lakh for the first offence. Repeat offences may attract a fine of Rs 5 lakh or more, and the offence is cognisable in nature, and legal action will be initiated against violators.

Consumers, traders and manufacturers are strongly urged to verify the authenticity of ISI-marked products using the BIS Care App, available on both Android and iOS platforms. The public is also encouraged to report any suspected misuse of the ISI mark or uncertified products through the app or by contacting the BIS Hyderabad Branch Office.