Steel and steel products sold, manufactured, or imported in India must comply with mandatory BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification under the Steel and Steel Products Quality Control Order. Whether you produce TMT bars, structural steel, stainless steel sheets, or wire products, holding a valid BIS license — commonly known as the ISI Mark — is a legal requirement before your product can be sold in the Indian market.
At ELT Corporate, we help manufacturers navigate BIS certification for steel products end-to-end, from identifying the correct IS standard to factory audit coordination and license renewal.
What Is the BIS Mark on Steel Products?
The BIS mark seen on certified steel products is the ISI mark, standing for Indian Standards Institution (now the Bureau of Indian Standards). It confirms that a steel product meets the safety, strength, and quality benchmarks set by BIS.
Not every steel product requires the ISI Mark by default. However, the Ministry of Steel has issued a Quality Control Order (QCO) that makes BIS certification mandatory for a specific list of steel grades and products—currently covering over 145 categories. If your product falls under this list, certification is not optional.
Why BIS Certification for Steel Is Necessary
Consumer and structural safety—Steel is used extensively in construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Substandard steel can lead to structural failure. BIS certification ensures the product meets required benchmarks for strength, composition, and durability before it reaches the market.
Fair trade practices—Mandatory certification means all manufacturers are held to the same quality bar. This prevents cheaper, non-compliant steel from undercutting certified manufacturers on price while compromising safety.
Who Needs BIS Certification for Steel?
BIS certification is mandatory for any manufacturer producing a steel product listed under the Quality Control Order—this includes domestic manufacturers, foreign manufacturers exporting to India (via the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme), fabrication units, and large-scale suppliers selling under their own brand. Dealers, traders, and importers cannot apply on their own—only the manufacturer of the product is eligible to hold the license.
Documents Required for BIS Certification for Steel
- Complete application form (Form V)
- Copy of the manufacturer’s or supplier’s business license
- Manufacturing process flowchart
- Quality control plan
- List of machinery and testing equipment
- Test reports from a BIS-recognized laboratory (if available)
How to Get BIS ISI Certification for Steel Products
Step 1: Identify the Correct Product Code.
Match your steel product to the correct IS standard from the list below—this determines which testing and inspection criteria apply.
Step 2: Submit Application (Form V)
File the application along with the required documents and pay the applicable registration and audit fees.
Step 3: Factory Inspection
A BIS inspector visits your manufacturing facility to assess quality control systems and production processes and collects product samples for lab testing.
Step 4: Sample Testing
Samples are tested at a BIS-authorized laboratory against the relevant IS standard—covering tensile strength, chemical composition, dimensional tolerance, and other product-specific parameters.
Step 5: Certificate Issuance
Once the application, inspection report, and test results are reviewed and approved, BIS issues the ISI Certificate. This process typically takes around 30 days from submission. The certificate is valid for one year and must be renewed before expiry, with the renewal application certified by a chartered accountant.
Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Steel Imports?
Yes. Steel products imported into India must also comply with BIS certification if they fall under the Ministry of Steel’s notified list. Foreign manufacturers must register under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) and appoint an authorized Indian representative in India.
Which BIS Certification Applies to Steel Products
Indian Standards Institute (ISI) Certification—for domestic manufacturers, confirming the product meets BIS safety and quality standards.
Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS)—under the BIS Act 2016 and the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations 2018, allowing foreign manufacturers to obtain a license to sell in India.
How Much Does BIS Certification for Steel Cost?
Cost varies by product category and the complexity of testing involved, typically ranging between ₹50,000 and ₹100,000. Exact fees depend on the applicable IS standard, number of tests required, and audit scope. Connect with our consultants for a cost estimate specific to your product.
Advantages of BIS Certification for Steel Products
- Assures customers the product is safe and meets quality benchmarks
- Strengthens brand credibility in the Indian market
- Required for supply to government agencies and most large private buyers
- Supports smoother customs clearance for exports and imports
List of BIS Standards (IS Codes) for Steel Products
|
IS Standard |
Product Covered |
|
IS 2062:2011 |
Hot-rolled medium- and high-tensile structural steel |
|
IS 1786:2008 |
High-strength deformed steel bars and wires for concrete reinforcement (TMT bars) |
|
IS 1785 (Part 1): 1):1983 |
Plain hard-drawn steel wire for prestressed concrete—cold-drawn stress-relieved wire |
|
IS 1785 (Part 2):1983 |
Plain hard-drawn steel wire for prestressed concrete—as drawn wire |
|
IS 6003:2010 |
Indented wire for prestressed concrete |
|
IS 6006:2014 |
Uncoated stress-relieved strand for prestressed concrete |
|
IS 13620:1993 |
Fusion-bonded epoxy-coated reinforcing bars |
|
IS 14268:1995 |
Uncoated stress-relieved low-relaxation seven-ply strand for prestressed concrete |
|
IS 277:2003 |
Galvanized steel sheets (plain and corrugated) |
|
IS 2830:2012 |
Carbon steel cast billet ingots, billets, blooms, and slabs for re-rolling |
|
IS 648:2008 |
Cold rolled non-oriented electrical steel sheets and strip (CRNO) |
|
IS 3024:2015 |
Grain-oriented electrical steel sheet and strip (CRGO) |
|
IS 6603:2001 |
Stainless steel bars and flats |
|
IS 6911:2017 |
Stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip |
|
IS 5522:2014 |
Stainless steel sheets and strips for utensils |
|
IS 1161:2014 |
Steel tubes for structural purposes |
|
IS 1239 (Part 1) 2014 |
Steel tubes, tubular and other wrought steel fittings |
|
IS 3748:2001 |
Tool and die steels |
|
IS 15103:2002 |
Fire-resistant steel |
|
IS 15961:2012 / IS 15962:2012 |
Structural steel for buildings with improved seismic resistance |
(Full list of 145+ applicable IS codes available on request—our consultants can confirm the exact standard for your specific product.)
Important Points to Remember
- Every invoice for a certified product must carry the BIS ISI mark certification details
- BIS conducts ongoing surveillance audits of licensed manufacturers to ensure continued compliance
- Any party can file a complaint with BIS against a non-compliant product
- BIS officers typically take up to three months to investigate a complaint
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Is BIS certification mandatory for all steel products?
Only for products listed under the Ministry of Steel’s Quality Control Order—currently covering 145+ steel grades and categories.
Q2: Can a trader or importer apply for BIS steel certification?
No. Only the manufacturer can hold the license. Foreign manufacturers must appoint an authorized Indian representative and apply under FMCS.
Q3: How long does BIS certification for steel take?
Around 30 days from application submission, provided documentation and testing go smoothly.
Q4: How much does it cost?
Typically between ₹50,000 and ₹100,000, depending on the product and testing requirements.
Q5: How long is the BIS certificate valid?
One year, renewable before expiry with a CA-certified renewal application.