Stainless Steel Bars and Flats are long steel products mostly used in engineering and construction applications. These steel products are known for their strength and durability. It makes them an ideal choice among various industries for structural components and machine parts. They are available in various shapes, sizes and grades to meet the industrial requirements.
The Bureau of Indian Standards has specified requirements under IS 6603: 2024 to ensure the quality of SS Engineering Bars and Flats. The Standard guarantees that the steel products maintain uniform quality and performance. Steel bar manufacturers who meet the standard requirement can obtain a BIS license. This helps them to sell the steel bars to the consumers.
What is IS 6603: 2024?
This is the Indian Standard for SS Solid Bars and Flats used in various industries. In order to ensure that the steel rods are safe for use, certain requirements must be met. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), Steel bars are:
- Verified for surface quality
- Tested for corrosion resistance
- Assessed for dimensional accuracy and tolerance
- Evaluated for surface quality
- Checked for yield strength
Who can apply for a Stainless Steel Flat Bars BIS License?
BIS authorisation under IS 6603: 2024 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying SS Bars in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the Stainless Steel Solid Bars are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the product to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the bars are BIS certified before selling.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified SS Bars and Flats.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure consistent quality of Stainless Steel Engineering Bars, the Bureau of Indian Standards outlines the minimum requirements under IS 6603: 2024. This certification ensures that manufacturers follow standardised production practices. It also ensures that the steel rods are safe for use.
The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the SS Forged Bars are listed below:
Steps for Stainless Steel Industrial Bars BIS Approval
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the steel bars 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 labs for material, dimensional accuracy, and surface finish.
- 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 requirements are successfully met, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: After getting the approval, the manufacturer can use the ISI mark on the product with a CM/L number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.
IS 6603: 2024 Approval Documents Guide
| 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 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 Stainless Steel Metal Bars must be clearly and permanently marked on its packaging or on the product. In addition to the ISI Mark, essential details such as the manufacturer’s identification, licence number (CM/L), etc. This ensures the product meets all quality and safety standards. More details are mentioned below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 6603: 2024 |
| 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 SS Bars and Flats 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 for SS Flats and Bars BIS Approval
The cost of BIS Approval for Stainless Steel Long Products 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 directly payable to BIS-recognised laboratories.
- Consultancy fees depend on product type and factory location.
Conclusion
The Bureau of Indian Standards has drafted the requirements for Stainless Steel Wire Rod under IS 6603: 2024. This ensures that Metal Bars meet the quality parameter according to the Indian standard. It also defines the required parameters for chemical composition and dimensional accuracy of the steel bars. These requirements help maintain the quality of the products across all steel bar manufacturing companies. The BIS Certification for SS flats and bars enhances customers' trust in the product. The steel bar manufacturing companies can sell their product in the Indian market if they have obtained the BIS product license. EVTL India helps manufacturers to streamline the BIS certification journey. The experts provide guidance with documentation, from filling out the applications, testing and much more.
