Steel is one of the most important commercial materials used in infrastructure, creation, cars, engineering, machinery, packaging, scientific instruments and construction industries Due to widespread public commercial use, the Government of India has satisfactorily manipulated a key compliance requirement for metallic metal products.
Under the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024, many metal articles are required to conform to applicable Indian Standards and be BIS Standard Mark BIS has officially issued the Steel & Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024 — S.O. 3716(E), dated 29 August 2024, under Scheme-I/ISI mark certification.
For producers, importers, buyers, distributors and foreign metal manufacturers, BIS certification is not just a high quality mark. It is imperative to gain access to the market requirement anyplace the product is protected under the applicable QCO.
What is BIS Certification for Steel?
BIS certification for steel means an approval granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to manufacture, sell, import, distribute or supply steel articles that conform to the relevant Indian Standard.
BIS certification is generally voluntary; But, for goods covered under the Quality Control Order, the Central Government makes it mandatory to use a standard mark through BIS license or certificate of conformity.
For steel products covered below QCO 2024, the product generally:
- conform to applicable Indian standards.
- Be synthetic using a BIS-certified producer.
- Wear BIS standard mark/ISI mark.
- Accompany the desired examination certificate where applicable.
- Be the easiest equipped after a valid BIS certification.
Legal Framework for Steel QCO 2024
The basis for the offense of mandatory BIS certification comes from the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 and the applicable Quality Control Order. Section XVI of the BIS Act empowers the Central Government to direct the compulsory use of a standard mark in the public interest, conservation, environmental security, prevention of unfair trade practices, or nationwide security. Section 17 prohibits the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, rental, lease, garage, or display in the market of notified products without a standard mark and a valid licence.
The Steel QCO states that the steel and metal designation laid out in its agenda must agree with the corresponding Indian Standards and bear the standard mark under the BIS license as per Scheme-I of the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018.
Why QCO 2024 is Important for Steel Businesses
The objective of the Steel QCO is to prevent the sale and import of sub-standard or defective steel products in India. The Ministry of Steel has noted that steel QCOs are intended to ensure that only quality steel conforming to relevant BIS standards is made available to industries, users, and the public. As per official Ministry updates, 151 Indian Standards covering carbon steel, alloy steel, and stainless steel had been notified under the steel QCO framework.
This means steel businesses must not treat BIS as a post-sale formality. It must be checked before manufacturing, import planning, purchase order finalization, shipment, customs clearance, and market distribution.
Who Needs BIS Certification for Steel?
BIS Certification may be required for the following parties depending on the product and transaction structure:
1. Indian Manufacturers
Any Indian manufacturer producing QCO-covered steel products for sale in India must obtain BIS certification before placing the product in the market.
2. Foreign Manufacturers
Foreign steel manufacturers exporting QCO-covered steel products to India generally need BIS certification under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). BIS states that FMCS is a scheme under which a BIS licence is granted to a foreign manufacturer for products conforming to relevant Indian Standards.
3. Importers
Importers must ensure that the steel product being imported is manufactured by a BIS-licensed manufacturer if the product is covered under a mandatory QCO. Importers cannot regularize non-compliant steel after import if the product falls under mandatory BIS certification.
4. Distributors, Traders, and Stockists
Even sellers and distributors must ensure that steel products covered under QCO carry the valid Standard Mark and are sourced from licensed manufacturers.
Products Covered Under Steel QCO 2024
Steel QCO coverage depends on the specific Indian Standard and product description notified in the official schedule. Broadly, QCOs cover different categories of steel products such as:
- Carbon steel products
- Alloy steel products
- Stainless steel products
- Steel sheets, strips, plates, coils, bars, rods, and structurals
- Pipes, tubes, and other notified steel products
- Specific grades used in engineering, construction, industrial, and manufacturing sectors
However, businesses should not assume applicability only by product name. The correct approach is to verify the Indian Standard number, product description, grade, HS code, end use, and latest exemption/amendment status. The Ministry of Steel regularly publishes QCO-related orders and exemptions on its official QCO page.
Key Compliance Requirements Under Steel QCO 2024
1. Conformity to Indian Standards
The steel product must meet the applicable Indian Standard mentioned in the QCO schedule. Testing parameters, chemical composition, mechanical properties, dimensions, tolerances, marking, and other requirements must comply with the relevant IS standard.
2. BIS Licence Under Scheme-I
For steel products, certification generally falls under Scheme-I, commonly known as the ISI Mark Scheme. BIS provides Scheme-I guidelines for grant of licence, renewal, surveillance, product non-conformity, factory surveillance, market surveillance, and scope change.
3. Use of Standard Mark
The product must bear the BIS Standard Mark/ISI Mark in the prescribed manner after the licence is granted.
4. Test Certificate With Consignment
The Steel QCO states that every specified steel product must be accompanied by a test certificate bearing the Standard Mark, issued by a BIS-certified manufacturer, with each consignment.
5. Product-Specific Scope
A BIS licence is not a blanket approval for all steel items. The licence applies to specific products, grades, standards, and manufacturing premises. Any additional grade or product may require inclusion or scope extension.
BIS Certification Process for Steel Manufacturers
The popular process for BIS certification for metal includes:
Step 1: Product and Standard Identification
The first step is to check whether the metal product is covered under QCO 2024 and which Indian standard applies.
Step 2: Gap assessment
The manufacturer should check whether the product, testing facility, production techniques, raw material management, inspection apparatus and pleasant control practices are consistent with the applicable Indian standard.
Step 3: Documentation preparation
Common files include:
- Company incorporation files
- Factory license and production information
- Construction method drift chart
- product specs and grades
- Raw fabric info
- Internal testing facility information
- Measurement certificate
- Quality Management Plan
- test reports
- Factory format
- Details of technical and first class personnel
- Step 4: Application filing
The software is filed with BIS along with applicable files, product descriptions, view reviews, and government fees.
Step 5: Factory inspection
BIS can conduct factory inspections to verify production efficiency, fine manipulation machinery, check preparations and conformity to the applicable Indian standard.
Step 6: Sample testing
Samples can be drawn and tested in BIS-diagnosed laboratories or as directed by BIS.
Step 7: Grant of BIS license
Once BIS is happy with product conformity, documentation, effort and manufacturing facility inspection, a license is issued.
Step 8 : Marking and post-licensing compliance
Upon supply of the license, the manufacturer may use the BIS Standard Marking in a manner consistent with the approved marking requirements. The manufacturer must be responsible for ongoing compliance, notice, reports, and renewals.
BIS Certification for Foreign Steel Manufacturers
Foreign manufacturers exporting steel products to India must carefully assess FMCS requirements. Under FMCS, the licence is granted to the foreign manufacturer for products manufactured at a specific manufacturing premises and conforming to relevant Indian Standards.
A foreign manufacturer may also need to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for coordination with BIS and compliance communication in India.
For importers, this is a critical point: if the foreign manufacturer does not hold a valid BIS licence for the relevant steel product, importing that product into India may become legally restricted once the product is covered under mandatory QCO.
Exemption for Steel Manufactured for Export
The Steel QCO provides an important exception for steel and steel products manufactured domestically for export, where such products conform to any other specification required by the foreign buyer.
This exemption is useful for Indian manufacturers producing steel strictly for foreign buyers under foreign specifications. However, the exemption should be applied carefully and should be supported by proper export documentation, buyer specification, production records, and evidence that the product is not intended for the domestic Indian market.
Impact on Importers
Importers are among the most affected stakeholders under Steel QCO 2024. Before importing steel into India, importers must verify:
- Whether the product is covered under any steel QCO.
- Whether the foreign manufacturer has a valid BIS license.
- Whether the Indian Standard and grade match the license scope.
- Whether the consignment has the required test certificate.
- Whether any exemption, relaxation, or amendment applies.
- Whether the product can be legally cleared and sold in India.
Importers should avoid placing purchase orders based only on supplier claims. A proper BIS licence verification should be done before shipment.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with Steel QCO 2024 can lead to serious consequences, including:
- Rejection or delay in import clearance
- Seizure of non-compliant goods
- Prohibition on sale or distribution
- Market recall
- Penalty under the BIS Act, 2016
- Business disruption and loss of customer confidence
The QCO itself states that contravention is punishable under Section 29 of the BIS Act, 2016.
Why Steel Businesses Should Start Compliance Early
BIS Certification for steel is not an instant approval. It involves technical evaluation, documentation, testing, factory readiness, inspection, and regulatory coordination. For foreign manufacturers, the process can take longer due to FMCS requirements, overseas factory inspection, AIR appointment, and coordination with BIS.
Therefore, manufacturers and importers should begin compliance planning before entering commercial contracts or shipping steel products to India.
How ELT Corporate Can Help
ELT Corporate assists Indian manufacturers, foreign manufacturers, importers, and traders in complete BIS Certification and QCO compliance for steel products.
Our support includes:
- Product applicability assessment under Steel QCO 2024
- Identification of relevant Indian Standard
- BIS documentation preparation
- Factory readiness and compliance gap assessment
- Coordination for testing and inspection
- BIS application filing
- FMCS support for foreign manufacturers
- Authorized Indian Representative support
- QCO exemption and clarification support
- Post-licence compliance and renewal assistance
With the growing enforcement of BIS and QCO requirements, proper compliance planning is essential for uninterrupted manufacturing, import, and sale of steel products in India.
Conclusion
BIS Certification for Steel under QCO 2024 is a critical compliance requirement for manufacturers and importers dealing with notified steel products in India. The regulation ensures that steel products entering the Indian market meet prescribed quality and safety standards.
For Indian manufacturers, BIS certification is necessary before domestic sale. For foreign manufacturers, FMCS approval may be required before exporting to India. For importers, it is essential to verify BIS licence status before shipment.
A proactive compliance strategy can help businesses avoid shipment delays, penalties, market restrictions, and commercial losses.
No. BIS Certification is mandatory only for steel products covered under the applicable Quality Control Order. Product-specific applicability must be checked with the relevant Indian Standard and latest QCO schedule.
Usually, BIS certification for imported steel is obtained by the foreign manufacturer under FMCS. The importer must ensure that the foreign manufacturer has a valid BIS licence for the relevant steel product.
The Standard Mark is the BIS/ISI Mark used on certified products to indicate conformity with the relevant Indian Standard.
