BIS Certification for Bearing Components and Accessories

Bearing components and accessories form the backbone of modern mechanical and industrial systems. They not only support the smooth rotation of shafts but also ensure long-lasting performance, precise load distribution, and reduced friction in a wide range of applications—from automotive and aerospace to heavy industrial machinery and consumer appliances.

To safeguard the quality and performance of these critical components, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has made certification mandatory for various bearing components and accessories under a Quality Control Order (QCO) issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

This regulation, known as the Bearing Components and Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2025, mandates that all specified products in this category must comply with relevant Indian Standards and carry the ISI Mark, a symbol of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

What Are Bearing Components and Accessories?

Bearing components include core functional elements such as bearing rings, steel or ceramic rolling elements (balls, rollers, needles), and supporting parts like plummer block housings, adapter sleeves, withdrawal sleeves, lock nuts, and locking devices. These parts work together to reduce friction, maintain alignment, and support radial and axial loads in rotating systems.

Accessories such as housings and sleeves help with installation, alignment, maintenance, and protection of the bearings, thereby extending equipment life and ensuring reliability in high-stress environments.

Given their vital role in mechanical operations, the use of high-quality, dimensionally accurate, and durable bearing components is non-negotiable. Even a slight deviation from standard tolerances can lead to system failures, safety hazards, or costly downtime.

The Need for BIS Certification

The BIS certification for bearing components and accessories is not merely a formality—it is a legal and operational necessity designed to:

Under the 2025 QCO, manufacturers, importers, and distributors must obtain a BIS license to produce or sell these components in India. The presence of the ISI mark on certified products confirms that the item meets the applicable Indian Standard in terms of design, dimensions, mechanical properties, and durability.

Mandatory Products under BIS Scheme-I

The following bearing components and accessories have been notified for mandatory BIS certification under Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018:

1. Steel Balls for Rolling Bearings
    IS 2898 (Part 1): 2019 / ISO 3290-1: 2014
   
   
2. Ceramic Balls for Rolling Bearings
    IS 2898 (Part 2): 2019 / ISO 3290-2: 2014
   
   
3. Cylindrical Rollers for Rolling Bearings
    IS 9202: 2020
   
   
4. Needle Rollers for Rolling Bearings
    IS 4217: 2020
   
   
5. Bicycle Balls
    IS 15184: 2002
   
   
6. Adapter Sleeve Assemblies and Withdrawal Sleeves
    IS 16605 (Part 1): 2018 / ISO 2982-1: 2013
   
   
7. Locknuts and Locking Devices for Rolling Bearings
    IS 16605 (Part 2): 2018 / ISO 2982-2: 2013
   
   
8. Plummer Block Housings, Flanged and Take-Up Housings
    IS 14347: 1996

These products span multiple industries, making the impact of this regulation widespread and vital for compliance.

BIS Certification Process for Bearing Components

Obtaining a BIS license for bearing components involves a structured and technically rigorous assessment process. Here’s how it works:

1. Application Submission: The manufacturer must apply through the BIS online portal, submitting technical documentation including product drawings, material specifications, quality control processes, and a declaration of conformity to the relevant Indian Standard.

2. Factory Inspection: A BIS assessment team visits the manufacturing site to verify compliance with quality management systems, test infrastructure, process controls, and material traceability. This inspection ensures that the product is being manufactured consistently and to standard.

3. Product Sampling and Testing: Samples of the product are drawn during the factory audit and sent to BIS-recognized laboratories for testing. Parameters such as dimensional tolerances, material hardness, surface finish, and other mechanical properties are verified.

4. Grant of License: If the product passes the inspection and lab testing, BIS issues a license allowing the manufacturer to use the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) on certified items.

5. Ongoing Surveillance and Renewal: Once certified, the manufacturer is subject to regular surveillance audits and periodic sample testing to ensure continued compliance. The license must be renewed periodically, depending on the BIS terms.

Compliance Benefits

Legal Validity: Compliance with the BIS QCO is legally mandatory. Selling uncertified products can attract penalties, fines, and bans under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act.

Market Access: Many Indian buyers, especially government departments and PSUs, insist on BIS-marked products. Certification opens up both domestic and export opportunities.

Quality Assurance: BIS-certified components are proven to perform as intended, minimizing the risk of failures or recalls.

Consumer and Buyer Confidence: The ISI mark is a visible assurance of quality, building trust with customers, distributors, and OEM partners.

Competitive Edge: In a market where quality is critical, certification differentiates your product from non-compliant alternatives.

Conclusion

In a sector where precision, reliability, and safety are paramount, the BIS certification for bearing components and accessories is not just a compliance measure—it’s a hallmark of quality and accountability. With the enforcement of the Quality Control Order, 2025, businesses dealing in bearings must align with national standards to remain legally compliant and commercially competitive.

Manufacturers, importers, and industry stakeholders are encouraged to act swiftly to obtain certification, improve internal quality systems, and work closely with BIS-recognized consultants or laboratories to navigate the regulatory landscape efficiently.