Grey Iron Castings find application in automobiles, engineering, machinery, pumps, valves, construction machinery and other heavy industries because of their high strength, wear resistance, damping and machine ability. Due to the load-carrying nature of these castings, the manufacturers have to conform to the requirements of IS 210:2009 in order to make these products work safely and reliably.
The use of standardized grey iron castings allows obtaining uniform mechanical and physical properties as well as good dimensions and durability of castings. In accordance with the Indian Standard, Grey Iron Castings should satisfy different technical requirements like chemical composition, tensile strength, hardness, microstructure, casting, and dimensional tolerances. Conformity with BIS Quality Criteria Order for Grey Iron Castings and BIS Certification for Grey Iron Castings (IS 210:2009) is compulsory wherever notified for manufacture and sale in India. ISI certification for Grey Iron Castings guarantees conformity with BIS requirements and helps to increase the market acceptance of such products.
What is IS 210:2009 for Grey Iron Castings
IS 210:2009 is the Indian Standard that specifies the requirements for Grey Iron Castings intended for engineering and industrial applications. The standard classifies grey iron castings based on tensile strength grades and establishes quality requirements to ensure durability and performance. As per BIS requirements, Grey Iron Castings are:
- Tested for tensile strength
- Verified for chemical composition
- Examined for casting quality and workmanship
- Checked for dimensional conformity
- Inspected for surface defects and soundness
Who needs BIS Certification for Grey Iron Castings
BIS Certification under IS 210:2009 is applicable to organizations involved in the manufacturing, importing, and supply of Grey Iron Castings in India.
Applicable to:
- Indian Manufacturers - Must obtain BIS Certification if the product falls under a notified QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Require BIS approval before exporting Grey Iron Castings to India.
- Importers and Brand Owners - Must ensure products comply with BIS requirements.
- Distributors and Suppliers - Should market only BIS-certified castings where certification is mandatory.
Benefits of BIS Certification for Grey Iron Castings (IS 210:2009)
ISI Mark Certification for Grey Iron Castings is proof that the castings meet the Indian standards of quality and safety.
Benefits:
- Meets IS 210:2009 standards
- Increases reliability and durability of the products
- Proves the mechanical performance of the casting
- Improves acceptance of casting in industries
- Enables taking part in government tendering projects
- Increases trust among the customers and the clients
- Eliminates the possibility of having any defect in casting as per BIS For IS 210:2009
- Guarantees standardized manufacturing process
- Helps meet the BIS QCO standard for Grey Iron Castings
- Establishes brand image in both domestic and international markets
BIS Testing Requirements for Grey Iron Castings under IS 210:2009
To ensure compliance with IS 210:2009, Grey Iron Castings undergo a series of chemical, mechanical, dimensional, and quality control checks. These tests verify material composition, casting strength, structural integrity, and manufacturing consistency. The BIS testing framework ensures that each casting meets required performance standards for industrial applications such as automotive, machinery, pumps, and engineering components.
The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for Grey Iron Castings (IS 210:2009) are listed below:
BIS Certification Process for Grey Iron Castings under IS 210:2009

The BIS ISI Certification process for Grey Iron Castings (IS 210:2009) ensures that the castings meet the required quality, mechanical strength, and dimensional accuracy standards for safe and reliable industrial use. This process is established by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under Scheme-I 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-recognized laboratories according to IS 210:2009 requirements.
- 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 units to verify the production process, safety measures, and quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: If all the above requirements are satisfactorily met, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: Once approved, the manufacturer can affix the ISI Mark with the CM/L number on approved products.
Documents Required for BIS Certification of Grey Iron Castings
| 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 |
Foreign manufacturers need to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India. This person is the local point of contact for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and takes care of all rules and compliance work in India.
ISI Mark and CM/L Number Requirements for Grey Iron Castings
As soon as a manufacturer gets the BIS ISI certification for Grey Iron Castings (IS 210:2009), the ISI logo is required to be marked on each casting or on its packing material as per the BIS marking requirements. Along with the ISI logo, the following details must also be provided in the mark such as identification of the manufacturer, grade identification of grey iron, and the Certification Marks License (CM/L). More information is provided below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 210:2009 |
| 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.
BIS License Validity for Grey Iron Castings under IS 210:2009
| 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 | BIS may inspect factories and test samples periodically |
| Annual Fees | Annual license fee must be paid regularly |
| Compliance | Continuous compliance with BIS requirements is necessary |
| License Format | BIS is shifting towards a 10-digit license number format |
| Non-Compliance Risk | May lead to suspension or cancellation of license |
BIS Certification Cost for Grey Iron Castings as per IS 210:2009
The cost of BIS Certification for Grey Iron Castings (IS 210:2009) includes application fees, factory inspection charges, product testing fees, license fees, and marking charges. The total certification cost depends on factors such as manufacturing location, product range, testing requirements, and applicable BIS fees. Additional expenses may arise for laboratory testing and consultancy assistance during the certification process.
| 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 paid directly to BIS-recognised laboratories.
- Consultancy fees vary depending on product type and factory location.
What happens if Grey Iron Castings Fail BIS Compliance Requirements
In case of non-compliance with the guidelines of BIS Certification for Grey Iron Castings (IS 210:2009), a penalty according to the provisions of BIS Act 2016 can be imposed.
- Suspend or cancel BIS License for Grey Iron Castings
- Restrict the manufacturing/importing/selling of non-compliant castings
- Imposition of financial sanctions and initiating legal proceedings according to BIS rules
- Seize or recall non-conformity products from the market
- Business opportunities and Government contract losses
Conclusion
Grey Iron Castings have gained importance in engineering, automobile, machinery, and industrial purposes on account of their toughness and ability to resist wear and tear. The grey iron castings find application in load bearing and structural applications where uniformity of performance and material is essential. Compliance with IS 210:2009 is mandatory as it ensures strict adherence to quality parameters in respect of chemical composition, mechanical strength, microstructure and size tolerance.
The Grey Iron Castings Certification (IS 210:2009) is necessary as it helps manufacturers meet Indian Standard specifications for the purpose of being eligible for the ISI Mark and thus ensure the quality and safety of the product. It also ensures compliance with the BIS QCO of the Grey Iron Castings. The manufacturers can take assistance from the most trusted BIS Consultant, EVTL India.