In the automotive industry, quality and durability of materials are non-negotiable. Among the critical components used in vehicle manufacturing are hot-dip galvanized steel sheets and strips, valued for their corrosion resistance and strength. To ensure consistent quality and safety, the Government of India, through the Ministry of Steel, has taken a significant regulatory step by issuing the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024.
This order mandates that hot-dip galvanized steel sheets and strips for automotive applications must conform to a specific Indian standard — IS 18385: 2023. Moreover, the products must bear the Standard Mark (ISI Mark), obtained under a valid licence from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), following Scheme I of Schedule II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
BIS Certification for Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel Sheet and Strips is a mark of trust and quality. It ensures that the product meets the stringent requirements of the applicable Indian standard. For automotive applications, this is especially important due to the structural and safety implications of using substandard materials.
By complying with IS 18385: 2023, manufacturers not only align with national standards but also bolster consumer confidence in their products. The ISI Certification for Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel Sheet and Strips signals that the materials have passed rigorous testing and quality control checks.
The Indian standard IS 18385: 2023 lays down the specifications for hot-dip galvanized steel products intended for use in the automotive sector. These standards cover dimensions, mechanical properties, coating mass, and corrosion resistance. Manufacturers seeking the ISI Mark for Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel Sheet and Strips must ensure complete adherence to these parameters.
The Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024 is legally binding. Any entity that manufactures, stores for sale, sells, imports, or distributes hot-dip galvanized steel sheet and strips for automotive applications without BIS certification or ISI marking will be considered in contravention of this order.
Under Section 29 of the BIS Act, 2016 (11 of 2016), violators can face stringent penalties. Therefore, manufacturers and suppliers must treat compliance not just as a quality assurance step, but as a legal requirement.
To comply with IS 18385: 2023 and earn the ISI certification, manufacturers must follow a structured certification process:
The Ministry of Steel's move to enforce quality through the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024, is a major step toward standardizing steel products used in critical sectors like automotive manufacturing. Compliance with BIS Certification for Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel Sheet and Strips, in line with IS 18385: 2023, is now a best practice and a legal requirement. Stakeholders in the steel and automotive industries must act proactively to align with the latest regulations and uphold quality, safety, and trust.