BIS QCO for Steel Balls for Rolling Bearings

Steel Balls for Rolling Bearings QCO Overview

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India, has issued the draft Bearing Components and Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2025.

Under this notification, Steel Balls for Rolling Bearings covered under IS 2898 (Part 1):2019 / ISO 3290-1:2014 have been brought under mandatory BIS certification requirements.

As per the notification, manufacturers of Steel Balls for Rolling Bearings shall ensure that their products conform to the specified Indian Standard and bear the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid BIS licence granted in accordance with Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

What is IS 2898 (Part 1):2019 / ISO 3290-1:2014?

IS 2898 (Part 1):2019 / ISO 3290-1:2014 is the Indian Standard for Rolling Bearings — Balls — Part 1: Steel Balls.

The standard specifies the requirements relating to material composition, dimensional accuracy, roundness, surface finish, hardness, manufacturing tolerances, testing, inspection, marking, and quality control of steel balls used in rolling bearing applications.

The standard ensures that steel balls used in rolling bearings meet prescribed quality, precision, durability, load-bearing capability, wear resistance, operational reliability, and performance requirements for use in automotive systems, industrial machinery, equipment manufacturing, aerospace applications, precision instruments, and other engineering industries.

Implementation Dates Under QCO

The Quality Control Order will come into force from the following dates:

Key Requirements Under the QCO

• Products must comply with the requirements specified under IS 2898 (Part 1):2019 / ISO 3290-1:2014.
• Manufacturers must obtain BIS certification before selling products in the Indian market.
• Certified products must bear the ISI Mark.
• BIS will act as the certification and enforcement authority for these products.
• Non-compliance may result in penalties under the provisions of the BIS Act, 2016.

Exemptions Under the Order

The QCO does not apply to:

• Products manufactured domestically for export purposes.
• Products imported as part of a finished good, sub-assembly, or component.
• Products imported by manufacturers for export-oriented production subject to prescribed conditions.
• Limited quantities imported for research and development purposes subject to conditions specified in the Order.

Certification and Enforcement Authority

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) shall act as the certification and enforcement authority for Steel Balls for Rolling Bearings covered under this Quality Control Order.

Penalty for Non-Compliance

Any person or manufacturer violating the provisions of this Order shall be punishable under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.