Steels for Hardening and Tempering are widely used in engineering and industrial applications
where high strength, durability, and wear resistance are required. These steels undergo proper
and specific processing by means of heat treatment processes like quenching and tempering,
which give them hardness as well as toughness. They are commonly used in components like
shafts, gears, axles, fasteners, tools, and machine parts.
The Bureau of Indian Standards has laid down standards for hardening and tempering steels,
under IS 5517:1993. This standard specifies important factors regarding the steel, such as
mechanical properties, hardenability, dimensional accuracy, internal quality, and so forth.
Manufacturers complying with this standard must use the BIS certification mark. This enables
the manufacturers to sell certified steel products in the Indian market.
wHAT is is 5517: 1993?
This is the Indian Standard for steel used in hardening and tempering applications, which
defines requirements for chemical composition and quality of heat-treatable steel products. 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 refining processes to achieve uniform quality.
- Tested for hardness and impact resistance .
- Produced with specified chemical composition and grade requirements.
- Designed to obtain the desired strength and toughness.
ELIGIBILITY FOR HARDENING AND TEMPERING STEEL BIS LICENSE
BIS authorisation under IS 5517: 1993 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing,
importing, or supplying heat-treated steel in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India): Must get BIS authorisation if the industrial steel is covered under
QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the product to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS certified before
selling.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified steels for hardening.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure the quality, safety needs, and adequate performance of hardening and tempering
steel, 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 compliance with IS
5517:1993 and relevant ISO standards for hardening and tempering steels.
- Process Control Verification (R) - Confirms approved melting, forging, rolling, and heat
treatment processes are followed.
- Specification Compliance Review (R) - Ensures chemical, mechanical, and supply
condition requirements meet BIS standards.
- Production Traceability Check (R) - Ensures full traceability from raw steel to finished
batch/heat number.
Chemical & Material Verification Tests
- Cast Analysis Verification (R) - Confirms chemical composition of steel at the melting
stage.
- Product Chemical Analysis (R/S) - Verifies final chemical composition after processing
and heat treatment.
- Alloy Composition Verification (R) - Ensures required alloying elements such as C,
Mn, Cr, Mo, V, etc. are within specified limits.
- Impurity Control Test (R) - Ensures sulfur (S) and phosphorus (P) remain within
permissible BIS limits.
- Grade Identification Test (R) - Confirms correct steel designation as per IS 5517
classification.
Heat Treatment & Metallurgical Tests
- Microstructure Examination (R/S) - Verifies grain structure and phase distribution after
heat treatment.
- Grain Size Analysis (R) - Ensures uniform grain size for performance consistency.
- Cleanliness of Steel (R/S) - Evaluates non-metallic inclusion levels.
- Macro Etch Test (S) - Detects segregation and internal defects.
- Hardening Response Test (R/S) - Confirms suitability for quenching and tempering
processes.
Dimensional & Physical Property Tests
- Dimension Verification Test (R) - Ensures compliance with specified size, shape, and
tolerance.
- Tolerance Compliance Check (R) - Confirms allowable dimensional variations as per
IS 5517.
- Surface Quality Inspection (R) - Ensures product is free from cracks, seams, rust, and
surface defects.
- Freedom from Defects Check (R) - Confirms overall material integrity and finish quality.
Sampling & Batch Control Tests
- Sample Selection Verification (R) - Ensures correct sampling from each control unit or
heat.
- Batch/Heat Traceability Check (R) - Maintains linkage between sample, cast number,
and production batch.
- Control Unit Definition Check (R) - Ensures uniform production grouping as per BIS
scheme.
- Random Sampling Compliance (R) - Ensures statistical sampling procedures are
followed.
BIS Approval Process for Heat Treatment Steel
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the plastic pipes handling and storage 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 evaluated in BIS-recognized laboratories to check compliance with prescribed installation and performance requirements, including joint integrity and physical properties.
- Application Submission: The application is submitted along with test reports, technical documents, and factory details. In the case of foreign manufacturers, they must also submit AIR-related documents.
- Factory Inspection : BIS authorities conduct on-site inspections of the manufacturing units to verify the production process, safety measures, and quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: Once all requirements are satisfactorily met, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: Once the license is granted, the manufacturer can use the ISI mark on the product with a CM/L number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.
IS 5517: 1993 Approval Documents list
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 Plastic Water Supply Pipes 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 5517: 1993 |
| 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 hardening and tempering steel BIS Authorisation
| 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 |
Steel for hardening and tempering BIS License Fees
The cost of BIS Approval for Polyethylene Pipe 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 specified the minimum requirements for steels for
hardening and tempering under IS 5517:1993. The certification ensures that the products
comply with essential quality parameters such as tensile strength, hardness, hardenability,
dimensional accuracy, and overall material consistency. It also ensures that the use of industrial
steel is safe for engineering purposes.
BIS certification is a necessity for all manufacturers of steel to avoid any legal consequences.
Apart from fulfilling legal obligations, getting BIS certification also adds to the reliability of your
product, boosts your brand name, and gives you more credibility with your customers.
Manufacturers can seek assistance from EVTL India for a hassle-free certification process. It
offers support in documentation, application submission, and testing coordination for the steel
used for Hardening and Tempering.
