Carbon-chromium steel used for the manufacture of balls, rollers, and bearing races is a high-strength material that contains chromium, which improves hardness, wear resistance, and durability. This steel is widely used in bearings and rotating parts where smooth performance, high load capacity, and long service life are essential.
BIS certification ensures that the product meets the required quality, safety, and performance standards as per IS 4398:1994 set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
what is is 4398:1994 ?
This is the Indian Standard for carbon chromium steel, which is mainly used in the manufacturing of components like bearings and other engineering applications requiring high strength and wear resistance. This standard is set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to ensure that all performance requirements are properly followed.
Under this standard, the steel must be:
- Strong and capable of handling high loads and stress
- Hard and wear-resistant for long service life
- Tough and durable under demanding working conditions
- Reliable for precision engineering and mechanical applications
- Manufactured with correct chemical composition and proper finishing quality
Testing and Inspection Requirements for Carbon Chromium Steel
To ensure efficient performance of the product, the standard defined by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifies clear testing and inspection requirements during manufacturing.
What are R and S?
- R (Required): Test must be done in the manufacturer’s own lab
- S (Subcontracting Allowed): Test can be done in an external BIS-approved lab
Material Quality Tests
- Chemical Composition Test (R) – Ensures correct composition of carbon, chromium, and other elements
- Product Analysis Test (R) – Verifies material consistency with standard requirements
Microstructure and Metallurgical Tests
- Microstructure Test (R) – Checks internal grain structure for performance
- Inclusion Content Test (R) – Ensures minimal impurities in the steel
- Decarburization Test (R) – Verifies surface carbon loss is within limits
- Macro Etch Test (R) – Checks internal defects and uniformity
Mechanical Performance Tests
- Hardness Test (R) – Ensures required hardness for wear resistance
- Fracture Test (R) – Checks behavior under stress and breaking conditions
Dimensional and Physical Tests
- Dimensions & Tolerance Check (R) – Ensures correct size, shape, and uniformity
- Surface Defect Inspection (R) – Detects cracks, flaws, or imperfections
bis certification process for carbon chromium steel
The BIS certification process ensures that the product must meet the required standards for proper and efficient operation. This process is defined by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and includes the following steps:
- Online Registration: Manufacturers register on the BIS Manak portal by submitting company, factory,
and product details. Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian
Representative (AIR).
- Testing at BIS-Approved Laboratory: Product samples are tested in BIS-approved labs to check safety, insulation,
heating performance, and electrical protection.
- Application Submission: The application is submitted along with test reports, technical documents, and
factory details. Foreign manufacturers must also submit AIR-related documents.
- Factory Inspection: BIS officials inspect the manufacturing unit to verify the production process,
safety measures, and quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: If all requirements are met, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: After approval, the manufacturer can use the ISI mark on portable immersion
heaters with a CM/L number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.
documents required for bis certification
| Basic Details | - GST Certificate
- Email ID & Contact Number
- Factory & Office Address
- Rent Agreement / Lease Deed (if applicable)
|
| Legal Documents | - Partnership Deed (if partnership firm)
|
| Manufacturing Details | - List of machinery
- Process flow chart
- Layout Plan of Factory
|
| Raw Material Details | - List of Raw Materials
- Supplier Details
- Raw Material Invoices
- Raw Material Test Certificates
|
| Testing & Quality Control | - List of Testing Equipment
- Calibration Certificates
- QC / Lab In-charge Appointment Letter & Qualification
|
| Production Details | - Annual Installed Capacity
- Last Year Production Value
|
| Product & Packaging Details | - Quantity per Package
- Nature of Packing
- Nature of Printing / Marking on Product
|
| Management Details | - Top Management Details
- Concerned Person for BIS Communication
|
| Brand & Certification Documents | - Trademark / Brand Certificate
- Consent Letter from BIS Recognized Laboratory
|
| Additional Documents | - Weekly Off Details
- Hygiene Document (if applicable)
- Relaxation Letter (if applicable)
- Any Other Relevant Document
|
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
When a manufacturer obtains the BIS License, the ISI Mark for carbon chromium steel
must be applied clearly and permanently on the product or its packaging. In addition to
the ISI Mark, other important details must also be provided on the product or packaging,
as specified in the table below ,this ensures product meets to all quality and safety
standard.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and follows to the standard |
| Standard Number | IS 4398 |
| CML Number | Certification Marks Licence (CML) number issued by BIS |
| Manufacturer Details | Name of manufacturer or registered trademark |
| Size Details | Diameter, gauge, or dimensional specifications of product |
| Alloy Information | Grade or designation of aluminium alloy used |
| Batch / Date | Batch number, heat number, or manufacturing date for traceability |
Note:
Marking is typically applied using durable stamping, tagging, or permanent printing to ensure clear identification during handling, storage, and transportation, as per BIS marking requirements.
Validity of BIS Licence for Aluminium Electrical Products
After obtaining BIS Certification for the product, the license is valid for a fixed period and must be maintained by following BIS rules and standards.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Initial Validity | Typically 1 to 2 years, depending on BIS approval conditions |
| Renewal | Must be renewed before expiry by submitting the application along with the prescribed fee and updated documents |
| Surveillance | Includes periodic factory inspections and market sample testing conducted by BIS |
| Compliance | Continuous following to standard and applicable Quality Control Orders (QCOs) is mandatory |
| Risk | Non-compliance or failed sample testing may lead to suspension or cancellation of the BIS license. |
cOST AND TIMELINE OF CERTIFICATION
The cost of BIS certification includes charges for application, inspection, license, testing, and marking. These fees are paid to BIS as per Scheme I guidelines.
cost breakdown
| No. | Major Charges | Particulars | Amount | Remark |
| 1 | BIS Fees | Application Fee | INR 1,000 | — |
|
| Audit / Inspection Fee | INR 7,000 | — |
|
| License Fee | INR 1,000 | — |
|
| Marking Fee | Depends on product | Discount as per MSME |
| 2. | Testing Charges | Sample Testing Fee | As Applicable | Payable to a BIS-approved laboratory. |
| 3. | EVTL India Service Fee | Consultancy & Support | As per actual | Depends on product type and factory location. |
Foreign Manufacturers
| No. | Major Charges | Particulars | Amount | Remark |
| 1. | BIS Fees | Application Fee | USD 15 | Payable via SWIFT to BIS. SAARC countries can pay INR with 18% GST. |
|
| Audit Charges | USD 3,200 – 5,900 | Depend on Country |
|
| License Fee | USD 15 | — |
|
| Marking Fee | Depends on product | — |
| 2. | Testing Charges | Sample Testing Fee | As Applicable | Payable to a BIS-approved laboratory. |
| 3. | EVTL India Service Fee | Consultancy & Support | As per actual
| Based on product and manufacturing location. |
to know the process in detail, please visit:
Under BIS Registration Products ISI and CRS
conclusion
BIS certification for carbon-chromium steel for the manufacture of balls, rollers, and
bearing races as per IS 4398:1994 ensures that the product meets the required quality
parameters and performance standards for reliable use in precision engineering
applications. It also ensures that the steel is properly tested for hardness, durability,
microstructure, and overall strength for efficient performance.
With the support of an experienced BIS consultant like EVTL India, manufacturers can
complete the certification process smoothly, avoid errors, and obtain timely approval for
their products.
