Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet and Strip are used to manufacture flat steel products. This type of steel is used to manufacture products because of its durability and strength. This makes the SS products suitable for domestic and commercial purposes. Depending on the grade and finish of the stainless steel, they are used in kitchen equipment, machinery parts or architectural structures.
The Bureau of Indian Standards has specified requirements under IS 6911:2026 to ensure the quality of stainless steel products. This Indian Standard guarantees that the materials meet the required dimensional accuracy and mechanical strength. Those companies meeting the standard requirement can obtain product certification. This enables them to sell the steel plates and sheets in the Indian market.
What is IS 6911: 2026?
This is the Indian Standard for Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet and Strip used in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. In order to ensure that the steel sheet is safe for use, certain requirements must be met. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), stainless steel plates are:
- Checked for tensile strength
- Verified for dimensional accuracy
- Tested for chemical composition
- Inspected for surface finish quality
- Evaluated for corrosion resistance
Stainless Steel Sheets and Plates Eligibility for BIS License
BIS authorisation under IS 6911: 2026 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying SS Utensil Grade Sheets in India. Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the stainless steel sheets are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export SS plates to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS certified before selling.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified Stainless Steel Strips & Sheets.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure consistent quality of stainless steel plate and strips, the Bureau of Indian Standards has laid out the minimum requirements under IS 6911: 2026. This certification ensures that manufacturers follow standardised production practices. It also ensures that the SS steel strips and plates are safe for use.
The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the SS sheets are listed below:
Steps for Stainless Steel Sheets BIS License
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the stainless steel products 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, 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 above 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.
List of Documents for IS 6911: 2026 Approval
| 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 Plate and Sheet must be clearly and permanently marked on its packaging or on the product. In addition to the ISI Mark, essential details such as the licence number (CM/L), manufacturer’s identification, 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 6911: 2026 |
| 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 Stainless Steel Sheet
| 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 Stainless Steel Flat Rolled Products BIS Approval
The cost of BIS Approval for SS Strip and Plate 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
As per IS 6911:2026, the Bureau of Indian Standards specifies the requirements for Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet and Strip. The objective of this standard is to ensure that stainless steel flat products meet the durability and safety criteria. It also helps maintain uniform quality across all BIS-certified stainless steel materials. The BIS Certification for SS Sheet and Strip improves product reliability in the market. Manufacturers with the product license can sell stainless steel products to the Indian customers. EVTL India offers full support during the BIS certification process. It helps the manufacturer with documentation, application filing, and overall compliance with BIS requirements.
