Rules 17-18 explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Rule 17 requires the certifying officer to keep an electronic register, in Form III, of every finally certified, deemed certified or adopted Model Standing Order, and to give copies on payment of two rupees per page. Rule 18 says how an application to modify existing standing orders is made and what it must contain.
The certifying officer maintains electronically a register in Form III of all finally certified, deemed certified and adopted Model Standing Orders, with a unique number, establishment name and nature, date of certification or adoption and areas of operation. A copy is furnished to any applicant on payment of Rs 2 per page, payable electronically too. An application to modify standing orders goes electronically, in person or by speed post, with a tabular statement of each relevant provision, the proposed change, reasons and the registered unions operating there, signed by an authorised person. Central-sphere establishments only.
The Code behind the rules
Section 34 of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 requires a copy of all standing orders as finally certified to be filed by the certifying officer in a register maintained for the purpose, or uploaded in electronic form or another prescribed form, and a copy furnished to any person applying "on payment of such fee as may be prescribed". Section 35(2) lets an employer, worker, Trade Union or other representative body apply to the certifying officer to have standing orders modified, "in such application as may be prescribed". See sections 33 to 35. Rules 17 and 18 provide the fee and the form of application.
If you need a copy of another establishment's certified standing orders, or want to change your own, our labour law compliance team can handle the application and keep track of the register entry.
Rule 17: the register in Form III
| Sub-rule | Content |
|---|---|
| 17(1) | The certifying officer maintains electronically a register in Form III of all finally certified standing orders, deemed certified standing orders or adopted Model Standing Orders of all concerned industrial establishments |
| 17(1)(a)-(f) | Details: unique number for each standing order; name of the establishment; nature of the establishment; date of certification, deemed certification or adoption of Model Standing Orders; areas of operation; other details helpful in retrieving the orders and creating a database |
| 17(2) | A copy of the certified or deemed certified orders goes to any person applying, on payment of two rupees per page |
| 17(3) | The fee may be paid electronically |
What Form III records
Form III is headed "Register for Certified Standing Orders" and has two parts. Part I is a table. Its columns are: unique and continuous number; name of the industrial establishment; nature of the establishment; areas of operation; whether the standing order is (a) model, (b) deemed or (c) certified; date of adoption, deemed authentication or certification; date of filing of appeal; date and nature of decision; amendment made on appeal, if any; date of dispatch of the copy of standing orders as settled on appeal; and any other relevant detail. Part II says to enclose the certified copy of the standing orders electronically.
The form therefore links three routes into one register: certified, deemed certified and model. That is why rule 10 tells the certifying officer to enter an adopting establishment's details in the rule 17 register, and why rules 15 and 16 matter for the appeal columns.
Getting a copy
Anyone may apply, not only the employer or union. The fee is the rule's Rs 2 per page of the certified or deemed certified standing orders. The rule does not say how many days the certifying officer has to supply the copy, so the text is silent on that point. The rule does not mention a separate fee for adopted Model Standing Orders, which are covered by the register but not named in sub-rule (2).
Rule 18: applying for modification
| Sub-rule | Content |
|---|---|
| 18(1) | The application for modification of existing standing orders is submitted electronically, in person or by speed post |
| 18(2) | It contains the particulars of the standing orders proposed to be modified, with a tabular statement giving details of each relevant provision in force, the proposed modification, the reasons, and the details of registered Trade Unions operating there |
| 18(3) | The statement is signed by a person authorised by the industrial establishment or undertaking, or workers, or a Trade Union or other representative body of workers, whichever submitted the application |
Which section 35 rules still apply
Under section 35(1), certified standing orders are not liable to modification until six months have passed since they, or the last modification, came into operation, except by agreement between the employer and the workers or a union or other representative body. Under section 35(2) an application is accompanied by copies of the proposed modifications, and, where the modification is by agreement, a certified copy of that agreement. Under section 35(3), the Code's provisions apply to such an application as they apply to certification of the first-time standing orders. So after rule 18, the same steps follow as for certification, including notice and comments in rules 11 and 12 and the statement in rule 13.
| Point | Source |
|---|---|
| Six-month bar on modification, unless by agreement | s.35(1) |
| Who may apply: employer, worker, union or other representative body | s.35(2) |
| Agreed modification: certified copy of the agreement filed with the application | s.35(2) |
| Procedure same as first-time certification | s.35(3) |
| Mode, tabular statement and signature | Rule 18 |
Example. A service company's certified standing orders have been in operation for ten months. The workers' union and the company agree to change the clause on notice periods. The union submits an application electronically with a tabular statement: the present clause, the proposed clause, the reasons and the registered unions at the establishment, signed by its authorised officer. The certified copy of the agreement is filed with it. The certifying officer follows the certification procedure and, once the modification is certified and in operation, the Form III register is updated with the new details.
Practical checklist
- Check the six-month bar in s.35(1), or whether an agreement applies.
- Prepare a clean table: one row per provision.
- List every registered union operating in the establishment.
- Have the right person sign.
- Keep proof of electronic submission or speed post.
Need help with standing orders records?
A correct register entry and a well-built modification statement save time later. Our labour law compliance team can prepare the application, organise the agreement and supporting papers and verify the Form III entry after certification.
Key takeaways
- The certifying officer keeps an electronic Form III register of certified, deemed certified and adopted Model Standing Orders.
- The register carries a unique number, nature, dates and areas of operation for each establishment.
- Copies cost Rs 2 per page and the fee can be paid electronically.
- A modification application goes electronically, in person or by speed post with a tabular statement and signature.
- Section 35's six-month bar and certification procedure still apply.
Read next
- Sections 33 to 35: operation, register, duration and modification
- Rule 10: Model Standing Orders and forwarding of information
- Forms III, IV and V: register, notice of change and arbitration agreement
- Rule 19: notice for change in service conditions
Disclaimer: Based on the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 (as enacted) and, where noted, the Industrial Relations (Central) Rules, 2026 (G.S.R. 342(E), 8 May 2026), as on 30 September 2026. The Code is in force from 21 November 2025; some provisions may be notified later, and State Governments make their own rules for establishments where the State is the appropriate Government. Verify the current position before acting.