BIS Certification for Cold-rolled Carbon Steel Strips for Ball and Roller Bearing Cages/Retainers— IS 4397: 1999

Cold rolled carbon steel strips are thin, flat steel materials used to make cages that hold and separate rolling elements (balls or rollers) inside bearings. These strips are manufactured through a cold rolling process, which improves their strength, surface finish, and dimensional accuracy. They are widely used in bearings for smooth operation, proper alignment, and reduced friction in machines and automotive components.

BIS certification ensures that the product meets the required quality parameters and performance standards as per IS 4397:1999 set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

what is is 4397:1999 ?

This is the Indian Standard for cold-rolled carbon steel strips used in the manufacture of ball and roller bearing cages/retainers. This standard is set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to ensure the material is suitable for its intended industrial application. Under this standard, the steel must be:

Strong and suitable for continuous movement in bearings
Precisely manufactured for accurate dimensions and fit
Smooth in surface finish to reduce friction
Durable and resistant to wear during operation
Made with proper chemical composition and consistent quality

Testing and Inspection Requirements for Carbon Steel Strips

To ensure proper strength, precision, and reliability 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 carbon and alloy content for required properties
Decarburization Test (R) – Checks loss of carbon on the surface which can affect strength

Mechanical and Metallurgical Tests

Hardness Test (R) – Ensures proper hardness for wear resistance in bearing use
Microstructure Test (R) – Verifies internal structure for durability and performance
Grain Size Test (S) – Ensures uniform grain structure for consistent behavior

Strip Performance Tests

Tensile Strength Test (R) – Checks strength of the strip under pulling force
Elongation Test (R) – Ensures flexibility without cracking during forming
Bend Test (R) – Verifies strip can be formed into cages without failure

Dimensional and Surface Tests

Thickness and Width Check (R) – Ensures accurate strip dimensions
Surface Finish Inspection (R) – Detects defects like scratches, cracks, or scaling
Flatness Test (R) – Ensures uniform shape for proper cage manufacturing

Durability and Process Control Tests

Heat Treatment Verification (R) – Ensures proper annealing for machinability
Coiling and Edge Condition Check (R) – Ensures edges are smooth and suitable for further processing

bis certification process for cold-rolled carbon steel strips

The BIS certification process ensures that these steel strips 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

Foreign manufacturers must additionally appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to coordinate with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and manage compliance requirements in India.

Marking Requirements & License Validity

Marking Requirements

When a manufacturer obtains the BIS license, the ISI mark for bearing cage steel strips 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 the 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 4397
CML Number	Certification Marks Licence (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 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

BIS ISI Mark Certification Costing And Timeline

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 cold rolled carbon steel strips as per IS 4397:1999 ensures that the product meets the required standards for precision, strength, and reliability in bearing applications. It also ensures that the steel strips are properly tested for hardness, surface quality, and dimensional accuracy, making them suitable for smooth and efficient machine operation.

With the support and guidance of an experienced BIS consultant like EVTL India, manufacturers can complete the certification process smoothly, reduce errors, and obtain faster approval for their products.