Hard-Drawn Steel Wire for concrete reinforcement are used for concrete reinforcement. These steel wires provide enhanced tensile strength. They have wide usage in reinforced concrete structures such as slabs, pavements, bridges, precast elements, and industrial flooring. Their high strength and bonding ability with concrete make them suitable for improving structural stability in construction works.
The Bureau of Indian Standards outlines the requirements of steel wires under IS 432 (Part 2): 1982. The criteria include the minimum requirement such as tensile strength, dimensional accuracy, surface condition, and overall uniformity of the steel wire. Manufacturers complying with this standard can sell the product in the Indian market.
What is IS 432 (Part 2): 1982
This is the Indian Standard for hard-drawn steel wire used for concrete reinforcement, which defines requirements for mechanical properties and surface quality of the product. This standard is set by the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) to ensure that product quality and safety are met, and the wires are:
- Manufactured using controlled drawing and hardening processes
- Designed to provide strong bonding with concrete structures
- Tested for elongation, and surface quality
- Produced with specified steel grades
Who can apply for a Hard-Drawn Steel Wire BIS License
BIS authorisation under IS 432 (Part 2): 1982 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying High-Strength Steel Reinforcement Wire in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India): Must get BIS authorisation if the RCC steel wires are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the steel wire to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS certified before selling.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified construction steel wire.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure the quality, safety needs, and adequate performance of steel wire for concrete reinforcement, the standard set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) defines proper testing and inspection requirements during manufacturing.
Manufacturing & Standards Compliance Tests
- ISO & Indian Standard Equivalence Check (R) - Ensures test methods align with IS 432 (Part 2) and equivalent ISO standards for tensile and re-bend testing.
- Process Control Verification (R) - Confirms steel wire is produced using approved cold drawing and hard-drawn manufacturing processes.
- Specification Compliance Review (R) - Ensures all wire production parameters meet BIS requirements for reinforcement applications.
- Production Traceability Check (R) - Ensures full traceability of wire coils back to heat number or batch identification.
Chemical & Material Verification Tests
- Cast Analysis Verification (R) - Confirms the chemical composition of the steel used for wire production.
- Final Wire Composition Check (R) - Ensures finished wire meets required chemical limits after drawing.
- Grade Identification Test (R) - Confirms correct classification of steel wire grade for reinforcement use.
- Impurity Control Analysis (R) - Ensures harmful elements remain within permissible BIS limits.
Dimensional & Physical Property Tests
- Diameter Verification Test (R) - Ensures wire conforms to specified nominal sizes.
- Length Tolerance Check (R) - Confirms permissible deviation in cutting length.
- Mass Consistency Check (R) - Ensures uniform weight per unit length as per standards.
- Surface Quality Inspection (R) - Ensures wire is free from cracks, rust, and surface defects.
Sampling & Batch Control Tests
- Sample Selection Verification (R) - Ensures proper selection of test samples from coils or bundles.
- Batch Traceability Check (R) - Confirms linkage of samples to production batch or heat number.
- Mill Record Validation (R) - Ensures manufacturer maintains complete production records.
- Random Sampling Compliance (R) - Ensures BIS-approved statistical sampling methods are followed.
Steps for High-Strength Steel Wire BIS License
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the Concrete Reinforcement Steel Wire 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 material safety and structural durability.
- 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 the product with a CM/L number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.
IS 432 (Part 2): 1982 Approval Documents Guide
Basic Details: - GST Certificate
- Email ID, Contact Number
- Factory, Office Address
- Rent and Lease Agreement(if applicable)
- Partnership Deed (if partnership firm)
| Product and Packing Details: - Quantity per Package
- Nature of Packing
- Nature of Printing / Marking on Product
|
Testing and Quality Control: - List of testing Equipment
- Calibration Certificates
- QC or Lab In-charge Appointment Letter
- Qualification
| Raw Material Details: - List of Row Materials
- Supplier Details
- Raw Material Invoices
- Raw Material Test Certificates
|
Manufacturing Details: - List of Machinery
- process flow chart
- Layout plan of Factory
| Brand and Certification Documents: - Trademark / Brand Certificate
- Consent Latter From BIS Recognized Laboratory
|
Production Details: - Annual Installed Capacity
- Last Year Production Value
| Additional Documents: - Weekly Off Details
- Hygiene Documents(if applicable)
- Relaxation Latter(if applicable)
- Any Other Relevant Documents
|
Management Details: - Top Management Details
- Concerned Person for BIS Communication
| Required Documents: - Agreement with AIR
- Aadhaar Card with AIR
- AIR Nomination Form
- Required Undertakings
- Scope of License
|
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 BIS Approval, the ISI Mark for Steel Wire Used in RCC Construction must be written 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 all quality and safety standards.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 432 (Part 2): 1982 |
| 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 Licence Duration for Hard-Drawn Steel Wire
After obtaining BIS approval for the steel wire, 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 |
Hard-Drawn Steel Reinforcement Wire Fee Structure
The cost of BIS Approval for Steel Wire for Construction 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.
- Marking fee depends on the product category and production volume (MSME benefits may apply).
- Testing charges are paid directly to BIS-approved laboratories.
- Consultancy fees depend on product type and factory location.
Conclusion
The Bureau of Indian Standards has set the required specification for manufacturing and selling Hard-Drawn Steel Wire for Concrete Reinforcement under IS 432 (Part 2): 1982. The certificate provides assurance that the products meet the necessary quality specifications related to proof stress, elongation, precision dimensions and tensile strength. It further assures the customers of the structural safety of the steel wires in their buildings.
It is compulsory to have the BIS certificate for steel wires to ensure compliance and approval for sale in India. In addition to legal compliance, it also enhances brand credibility and strengthens customer trust in the product. Assistance provided by EVTL India can help the manufacturer comply with the necessary standards through documentation, application filing and testing process.
