The Stainless Steel Utensils are commonly used in households, hotels, restaurants, and commercial kitchens for cooking, serving and storing food. These utensils are preferred owing to their durability, corrosion resistance and hygiene factors which make them indispensable in the handling of foods safely. Since they are in direct contact with the food products, it becomes important for the manufacturers to adhere to the specifications defined in BIS IS 14756:2024 for Stainless Steel Utensils.
As per the Indian Standard, some of the technical aspects of stainless steel utensils include material grade, chemical composition, surface finish, corrosion resistance, dimensional tolerances, mechanical properties, heat resistance and food safety performance. Compliance with BIS QCO standards and certification of Stainless Steel Utensils as per IS 14756:2024 is compulsory wherever required in India. The ISI mark on stainless steel utensils ensures that these utensils are safe and suitable for food contact purposes.
What is IS 14756:2024?
IS 14756:2024 is the Indian standard that outlines the specifications of stainless steel utensils meant for food preparation, cooking, serving and storing purposes. It defines several quality specifications of utensils so that they can be safe and durable. According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), stainless steel utensils are -
- Tested for material composition and quality
- Examined for corrosion resistance
- Checked for dimensional accuracy
- Verified for mechanical strength
- Evaluated for surface finish
Testing and Inspection Requirements for Stainless steel utensils
To ensure the quality, safety, and performance of utensils, the Bureau of Indian
Standards has defined detailed testing and inspection requirements under the standard,
which are carried out during manufacturing.
What are R and S
- R (Required): Test must be conducted in the manufacturer’s in-house laboratory
- S (Subcontracting Allowed): Test can be conducted in a BIS-approved or
NABL-accredited laboratory
Physical and Quality Tests
- Shape and Dimensions (R) – Ensures proper size, capacity, and uniform
structure
- Thickness Check (R) – Verifies correct thickness of utensils and material
- Workmanship & Finish (R) – Ensures smooth surface, no sharp edges, cracks,
or defects
Material and Raw Material Tests
- Raw Material Verification (S) – Confirms stainless steel complies with IS
standards (like IS 5522 / IS 15997)
- Handle and Lid Material Check (S) – Ensures quality and safety of handles and
lids
- Coating Quality Test (S) – Checks coating thickness, adhesion, and safety (if
coated utensils)
Performance and Strength Tests
- Mechanical Shock Test (R) – Ensures utensils can withstand impact without
damage
- Thermal Shock Test (R) – Checks resistance to sudden temperature changes
- Dry Heat Test (R) – Verifies performance under high heat conditions
- Nominal Capacity Test (R) – Ensures correct volume and usability
Special Safety Tests
- Staining Test (R) – Ensures resistance to stains and maintains surface quality
- Leaching Test (S) – Confirms no harmful substances mix with food
- Sensorial Test (S) – Ensures no change in taste, smell, or colour of food
Lid and Glass Safety Tests (if applicable)
- Fragmentation Test (S) – Ensures glass lid breaks safely
- Ball Drop Test (S) – Checks strength against impact
process for bis certification
The BIS
certification process for Stainless Steel Utensils involves multiple steps,
designed to thoroughly evaluate a product's compliance with the required
standards. Here is a general overview of the certification process:
- Online Registration: Manufacturers register on the BIS Manak Online Portal by submitting company
details, factory information, and product specifications. Foreign manufacturers
must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India.
- Testing at BIS-Approved Laboratory: Product samples are tested in BIS-approved laboratories to evaluate electrical
safety, insulation resistance, heating efficiency, durability, and overall
performance as per requirements.
- Application Submission: The application is submitted along with laboratory test reports, technical
documents, manufacturing process details, and factory information. Foreign
manufacturers must also provide AIR-related documents.
- Factory Inspection: BIS officials conduct an on-site inspection of the manufacturing unit to verify
production processes, quality control systems, safety measures, and compliance
with the standard.
- Grant of BIS License:
If all requirements are successfully met, BIS issues the certification license under
Scheme-I, allowing the manufacturer to produce and sell certified products.
- Use of ISI Mark: After certification approval, the manufacturer is permitted to use the ISI mark
along with a CM/L number on the product, confirming compliance with the
standard.

Documents Required for IS 14756 Certification
The following documents are typically required for obtaining 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 stainless steel utensils
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 all quality and safety
standards.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and follows to the standard |
| Standard Number | IS 14756 |
| 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 licenses for steel utensils
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 of BIS certification for steel utensils

Cost Breakdown
Indian Manufacturers
| 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. |
Conclusion
BIS Certification for Stainless Steel Utensils under IS 14756:2024 ensures that the
products meet essential standards of quality, safety, and performance for everyday
kitchen use. It confirms that the utensils are made from proper materials, are safe for
food contact, and are durable for long-term use.
With proper testing, inspection, and compliance with BIS guidelines, manufacturers can
ensure their products are reliable and meet Indian regulatory requirements.
With the
support and guidance of an experienced BIS consultant like EVTL India, manufacturers
can complete the certification process smoothly, reduce errors, and get faster approval.