Stainless steels for cold heading and cold extrusion are widely used in manufacturing industries where high strength, corrosion resistance, and excellent formability are required. Cold forming is a process that involves highly deformed products, which require stainless steel to maintain its integrity during cold forming. The SS for cold extrusion are used in manufacturing fasteners, screws, bolts, and components for the automotive industry and other areas of engineering.
The Bureau of Indian Standards has laid down standards for stainless steels under IS 11169 (Part 2): 2023. This includes all relevant information regarding the steel, especially concerning surface finish, tolerance levels, and suitability for cold forming applications. It helps maintain the quality and safety standards of such products. Manufacturers complying with this standard are eligible to sell certified steel for cold heading in the market.
What is IS 11169 (Part 2): 2023?
This is the Indian Standard for steels used in cold heading and cold extrusion applications, which defines requirements for chemical composition and surface quality of stainless steel. This standard is set by the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) to ensure that product quality and safety are met, and the SS steels are:
- Manufactured with controlled melting and refining processes to ensure uniformity.
- Produced with defined stainless steel grades.
- Tested for ductility and hardness suitability for cold working.
- Designed for excellent cold formability during heading and extrusion operations.
Cold Extrusion Steel BIS License Eligibility Guidelines
BIS authorisation under IS 11169 (Part 2): 2023 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying Steel for Cold Heading in India. Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India): Must get BIS authorisation if the 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 Cold Heading Stainless Steels.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure the quality, safety needs, and adequate performance of cold extrusion stainless 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 11169 (Part 2): 2023 and relevant ISO standards for stainless steel cold heading applications.
- Process Control Verification (R) - Confirms proper melting, rolling, and heat treatment processes are followed.
- Specification Compliance Review (R) - Ensures chemical, mechanical, and dimensional requirements meet BIS standards.
- Production Traceability Check (R) - Ensures full traceability from raw material to finished batch/heat number.
Chemical & Material Verification Tests
- Cast Analysis Verification (R) - Confirms chemical composition at melting stage.
- Product Chemical Analysis (R/S) - Verifies final chemical composition after processing.
- Alloy Composition Check (R) - Ensures required alloying elements like Cr, Ni, Mo, Mn are within limits.
- Impurity Control Test (R) - Ensures sulfur and phosphorus remain within BIS limits.
- Grade Identification Test (R) - Confirms correct stainless steel grade designation.
Mechanical Testing Requirements
- Tensile Strength Test (R) - Determines strength, yield strength, and elongation.
- Hardness Test (R) - Measures hardness after processing.
- Impact Test (R) - Evaluates toughness under sudden load.
- Hardenability Test (R/S) - Checks response to heat treatment (where applicable).
- Mechanical Properties Verification (R) - Ensures compliance with BIS specified limits.
Heat Treatment & Metallurgical Tests
- Microstructure Examination (R/S) - Verifies grain structure and phase distribution.
- Grain Size Analysis (R) - Ensures uniform grain structure.
- Cleanliness of Steel (R/S) - Checks non-metallic inclusions.
- Macro Etch Test (S) - Detects internal defects and segregation.
- Cold Forming Aptitude Test (R/S) - Confirms suitability for heading and extrusion.
Dimensional & Physical Property Tests
- Dimension Verification Test (R) - Ensures compliance with size and shape requirements.
- Tolerance Check (R) - Confirms dimensional accuracy as per IS 11169.
- Surface Quality Inspection (R) - Ensures defect-free surface condition.
- Freedom from Defects Check (R) - Confirms material integrity and finish quality.
Sampling & Batch Control Tests
- Sample Selection Verification (R) - Ensures correct sampling from each heat/batch.
- Heat/Batch Traceability Check (R) - Maintains linkage to production batch.
- Control Unit Verification (R) - Ensures proper grouping as per BIS guidelines.
- Random Sampling Compliance (R) - Ensures statistical sampling methods are followed.
Steps for Cold Heading Stainless Steels BIS Approval
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the SS for Cold Heading & Cold Extrusion 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 safety and structural durability.
- 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 unit to verify the production process, safety measures, and quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: If all 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.
IS 11169 (Part 2): 2023 Approval Documents Required
The following documents are typically required for obtaining BIS approval:
Basic Details: - GST Certificate
- Email ID, Contact Number
- Factory, Office Address
- Rent and Lease Agreement(if applicable)
- Partnership Deed (if partnership firm)
| Product and Packing Details: - Quantity per Package
- Nature of Packing
- Nature of Printing / Marking on Product
|
Testing and Quality Control: - List of testing Equipment
- Calibration Certificates
- QC or Lab In-charge Appointment Letter
- Qualification
| Raw Material Details: - List of Row Materials
- Supplier Details
- Raw Material Invoices
- Raw Material Test Certificates
|
Manufacturing Details: - List of Machinery
- process flow chart
- Layout plan of Factory
| Brand and Certification Documents: - Trademark / Brand Certificate
- Consent Latter From BIS Recognized Laboratory
|
Production Details: - Annual Installed Capacity
- Last Year Production Value
| Additional Documents: - Weekly Off Details
- Hygiene Documents(if applicable)
- Relaxation Latter(if applicable)
- Any Other Relevant Documents
|
Management Details: - Top Management Details
- Concerned Person for BIS Communication
| Required Documents: - Agreement with AIR
- Aadhaar Card with AIR
- AIR Nomination Form
- Required Undertakings
- Scope of License
|
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 a BIS Approval, the ISI Mark for cold-worked stainless steel must be written 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 conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 11169 (Part 2): 2023 |
| 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
After obtaining BIS approval for stainless steel for cold forming, the approval 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 |
BIS License Fees for Cold Heading Stainless Steels
The cost of BIS Approval for cold extrusion steel 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 cold heading and cold extrusion applications under IS 11169 (Part 2): 2023. The certification guarantees that the stainless steel products meet the required quality standards, which include ductility, hardness, surface finish, and dimensional tolerances. It also guarantees that the product will not fail when subjected to cold forming operations.
BIS certification is a mandatory requirement for all manufacturers who produce steel in the form of stainless steel that is suitable for cold heading and cold extrusion. In addition to complying with the regulatory standards of India, a BIS license also adds value to the product, helps improve brand image, and builds customer trust in the quality of the steel. Manufacturers can seek assistance from EVTL India for a smooth and efficient certification process. It offers support in documentation, application submission, and testing coordination for the steel used for cold heading or cold extrusion.
