Cold reduced carbon steel sheets and strips are widely used in manufacturing processes where dimensional accuracy is important. These are steel sheets/strips obtained by cold rolling methods that make them strong and have smooth surfaces. They can be used in car panels, cabinets, furniture, and electrical devices, among others. Due to their high ductility, they can be bent and drawn without breaking, thus making them ideal for use in products requiring complicated designs.
Manufacturers dealing with these steel materials are required to meet quality and performance requirements before selling the products in the market. BIS certification for steel sheets/strip is an indication that the product has passed all the necessary tests as per IS 513 (Part 1): 2016. This helps buyers identify products that are consistent with regulatory and industry expectations for reliable use.
What is IS 513 (Part 1): 2016
This is the Indian Standard for cold-reduced carbon steel sheets and strips used for cold forming and drawing purposes. It mentions the mechanical properties and surface finish criteria to ensure consistent material performance of the steel sheets. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), carbon steel sheets and strips are:
- Tested for tensile strength
- Evaluated for chemical composition
- Assessed for formability through cupping
- Checked for surface quality
Eligibility Guide for Cold Reduced Steel Strip BIS Approval
BIS authorisation under IS 513 (Part 1): 2016 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying cold-reduced steel materials in India. Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the carbon steel sheets are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the product to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified cold-forming-grade carbon steel sheets.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure reliable performance of cold-reduced carbon steel strips used in forming and drawing applications, the Bureau of Indian Standards outlines the minimum requirements under IS 513 (Part 1): 2016. This certification ensures that manufacturers meet dimensional standards to ensure consistent product quality.
The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the steel sheet and strip are listed below:
How to get BIS Approval for Industrial Steel Sheet
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the Cold Forming Steel Strips meet the required standards for proper and efficient operation. This process is set 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 laboratories for dielectric strength, insulation resistance, mechanical durability, and switching endurance performance.
- 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 carry out an inspection of the manufacturing facility to verify the production process, safety measures, and quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License : After successful evaluation of all documents, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark : Once the licence is granted, the manufacturer can use the ISI mark on the product with a CM/L number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.
Required Documents for IS 513 (Part 1): 2016 Approval
| Document Category | Documents Required |
|---|
| Basic Details | GST Certificate, Email ID & Contact Number, Factory & Office Address, Rent Agreement / Lease Deed (if applicable),Partnership Deed (if applicable for partnership firms) |
| Manufacturing Details | List of Machinery, Process Flow Chart, Factory Layout Plan |
| 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, Product Printing / Marking Details |
| Management Details | Top Management Details, BIS Communication Contact Person |
| 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 |
| Foreign Manufacturer Requirement | Appointment of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for BIS coordination and compliance in India |
The Foreign manufacturers are required to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India. The representative is the local point of contact for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and takes care of all rules and compliance work in India.
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
Once a manufacturer receives BIS certification, the ISI Mark for Steel Strip must be clearly and permanently marked either on the product or its packaging. Along with the ISI Mark, essential information such as the manufacturer’s identification and licence number (CM/L) must be marked. This ensures the product complies with the prescribed performance standards. Additional details are mentioned below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 513 (Part 1): 2016 |
| CML Number | Certification Marks License (CML) number issued by BIS |
| Manufacturer Details | Name of manufacturer or registered trademark |
| 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 for Carbon Steel Strip BIS License
| 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 |
| Surveillane | 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 |
Fee Structure for Cold-Reduced Steel Materials BIS Approval
The cost of BIS Approval for Carbon Steel Sheet & Strip includes charges for application, inspection, license, testing, and marking. These fees are paid to BIS as per Scheme I guidelines.
| Charge Type | Indian Manufacturers | Foreign Manufacturers |
|---|
| Application Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Audit Charges | INR 7,000 | USD 3,200 – 5,900 |
| License Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Marking Fee | As applicable | As applicable |
| Testing Charges | As applicable | As applicable |
| EVTL India Consultancy Fee | As per actual | As per actual |
Note:
- Application fee for foreign manufacturers is payable via SWIFT (SAARC countries may pay in INR with applicable GST).
- Audit charges for foreign manufacturers vary based on country/location.
- The marking fee is determined based on the product category and production volume (MSME benefits may apply).
- Testing charges are to be paid directly to BIS-recognised laboratories.
- Consultancy fees can vary depending on product type and factory location.
Conclusion
Cold-reduced carbon steel sheets and strips are used for several industrial purposes, especially where material consistency is essential. Steel strips that are manufactured to meet the requirements of the Indian standard can provide greater reliability of fabrication, durability, and suitability. Proper testing of the steel strips helps reduce the risks of defects and failures during manufacturing.
Fulfilling the criteria outlined by IS 513 (Part 1) helps to build customer confidence. Steel strips manufacturers usually need technical assistance to obtain BIS certification without problems. EVTL India helps manufacturers in their documentation processes, tests products, and performs other similar activities. Thus, certification is made easier without any delay.
