Hand-Held Electric Rotary, Demolition and Chipping Hammers are subject to mandatory BIS ISI certification under the Safety of Hand-held Motor-Operated Electric Tools (Quality Control) Order, 2026. From 12 mo after publication of the QCO in the e-Gazette, these products cannot be lawfully manufactured for sale, imported, or distributed in India without a valid BIS ISI licence under IS 4665 (Part 2/Sec 6):2023. Non-compliance attracts penalties under the BIS Act, 2016 — product seizure, fines, and prosecution.
This guide covers the applicable Indian Standard, key technical and safety requirements, the step-by-step certification process, documentary requirements, and the most common compliance pitfalls for manufacturers and importers.
📜 Applicable Indian Standard
- IS 4665 (Part 2/Sec 6):2023 — Hand-Held Electric Rotary, Demolition and Chipping Hammers (primary standard)
- Aligned with the corresponding IEC / ISO standard for technical performance and safety
- Latest amendments notified by BIS apply automatically
📌 Rotary hammers and demolition breakers are workhorses on Indian construction sites. The QCO enforces vibration limits, mechanical endurance, and electrical safety — protecting operators from long-term hand-arm vibration and tool failures.
🔬 Key Quality Requirements Under IS 4665 (Part 2/Sec 6):2023
BIS-approved laboratories evaluate the following during type testing:
Electrical Safety
Insulation, dielectric strength, leakage current, and earthing per IEC 60745-2-6. Double-insulation verification on class II tools.
Vibration & AVH
Anti-vibration handle (AVH) performance and hand-arm vibration value within IEC limits. Operator-exposure testing under load.
Mechanical Endurance
Overload clutch performance, impact mechanism endurance, and SDS chuck retention under prescribed cycles.
Marking & Documentation
Voltage, wattage, impact energy, beats-per-minute, and ISI Mark plus licence number. User manual to include vibration disclosure.
Products covered under IS 4665 (Part 2/Sec 6):2023:
- Rotary hammers (SDS-Plus / SDS-Max) for concrete drilling
- Demolition hammers / breakers for concrete and masonry
- Chipping hammers for surface chipping and chiselling
- Combination rotary + chipping hammers — multi-mode tools
📋 Step-by-Step BIS ISI Certification Process
- Variant ScopingList every chuck type, wattage, and impact-energy rating. Each unique construction may need separate sample testing.
- Application FilingSubmit online application on manak.bis.gov.in. Indian manufacturers via Product Certification Scheme; foreign manufacturers via FMCS with appointed AIR.
- Sample TestingSubmit complete tools to a BIS-recognised power-tool testing laboratory. Electrical, vibration, and endurance tests: approximately 5–7 weeks.
- Factory InspectionBIS officers inspect motor winding, gearbox / impact mechanism assembly, AVH design, and in-house testing capability.
- Licence GrantBIS issues the ISI Mark licence. ISI Mark plus licence number is applied on the tool body and packaging.
- Surveillance & RenewalPeriodic BIS market sample testing, factory audits, and annual marking fees keep the licence active.
📄 Documents Required
- Company incorporation / registration certificate
- Product list with chuck type, wattage, impact energy, BPM
- Engineering drawings and BOM with critical-component specs
- AVH design and vibration test plan
- Process flow chart for motor and gearbox assembly
- Quality Manual / ISO 9001 certificate (if available)
- AIR appointment letter (for foreign manufacturers)
- Existing test reports from BIS-recognised labs (if any)
⚠ Common Compliance Pitfalls
Common issues include vibration values exceeding limits, overload-clutch failure under endurance, SDS chuck wear, motor overheating, and missing vibration disclosure in the user manual.
🏭 Special Considerations for Importers
Electric hammers are imported in high volume from Germany, China, and Japan. Each variant requires its own BIS ISI certification. Construction-equipment importers must hold valid BIS documentation before customs clearance.
Get BIS Certified — We Handle Everything
Global Approbation manages end-to-end BIS ISI / FMCS registration for Electric Hammers (Rotary, Demolition, Chipping) — from documentation to licence grant. Enforcement begins 12 mo from QCO notification.
BIS ISI / FMCS Services Talk to Our Team