Wrought carbon and low alloy steels are used in cold heading and cold extrusion plays a key
role in manufacturing high-strength components. These steels are commonly processed at room
temperature into fasteners, automotive parts, machine components, and various industrial
products. The ability to withstand deformation without cracking makes the alloy steel suitable for
large-scale production applications. They are designed to perform efficiently under high
deformation without losing structural integrity.
To regulate quality and ensure uniform performance, the Bureau of Indian Standards has
established requirements under IS 11169 (Part 1): 2022. The standard sets key requirements
covering chemical compositions, strength and ductility properties, surface condition, size
accuracy, and overall performance of the product during the cold extrusion process. This
standard ensures that the steel meets the necessary safety and performance expectations for
industrial use.
what is is 11169 (Part 1):2022
This is the Indian Standard for low-alloy steels used in cold extrusion applications, which defines
requirements for mechanical properties and surface quality of the steel. This standard is set by
the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) to ensure that product quality and safety are met, and the
alloy steel is
- Produced with specified carbon and low-alloy steel grades.
- Tested for tensile strength.
- Designed for excellent cold formability in heading and extrusion operations.
- Maintained with a proper surface finish to prevent defects during processing.
- Manufactured with controlled melting and casting processes to ensure uniform quality.
bis approval eligibility for carbon and Low alloy steels
BIS authorisation under IS 11169 (Part 1): 2022 is required for businesses involved in
manufacturing, importing, or supplying wrought carbon steel in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India): Must get BIS authorisation if the Alloy 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 Extrusion Steels.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure the quality, safety needs, and adequate performance of cold heading alloy steels, 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 1): 2022 and applicable testing standards such as IS 228, IS 1608, and ISO methods.
- Process Control Verification (R) – Confirms proper steelmaking, rolling, heat treatment, and finishing processes (hot-rolled, peeled, cold drawn, annealed).
- Specification Compliance Review (R) – Verifies that chemical composition, mechanical properties, and dimensional tolerances meet BIS requirements.
- Production Traceability Check (R) – Ensures traceability from cast/heat number to final product batch and delivery condition.
Chemical & Material Verification Tests
- Ladle Analysis (R) – Confirms chemical composition during steelmaking stage (applicable for primary producers).
- Product Chemical Analysis (R) – Verifies chemical composition of finished steel products.
- Alloy Composition Verification (R) – Ensures presence and limits of elements like C, Mn, Si, Cr, Ni, Mo, Al, B, etc.
- Impurity Control Test (R) – Ensures sulfur and phosphorus levels are within permissible BIS limits.
- Grade Identification Test (R) – Confirms correct grade designation such as non-alloy steels, case-hardening steels, and alloy steels.
Mechanical Testing Requirements
- Tensile Strength Test (R) – Determines tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and reduction of area.
- Hardness Test (R) – Measures hardness using Brinell or Rockwell methods.
- Hardenability Test (R) – Evaluates hardening characteristics (HH, HL, CH categories where applicable)
- Core Hardenability Test (R) – Checks hardenability at the core (applicable for quenching and tempering steels).
- Mechanical Properties Verification (R) – Ensures compliance with BIS mechanical property tables.
Heat Treatment & Metallurgical Tests
- Grain Size Analysis (R) – Ensures uniform grain structure for performance consistency.
- Carbide Spheroidization Test (S) – Conducted if required by purchaser to assess microstructure.
- Non-Metallic Inclusion Test (S) – Evaluates internal cleanliness of steel.
- Macro Examination Test (S) – Detects macroscopic defects if agreed upon.
- Decarburization Test (R) – Measures surface carbon loss in heat-treated steels.
- Cold Forming Aptitude Test (S) – Upsetting test to verify suitability for cold heading/extrusion.
Surface Quality & Internal Soundness Tests
- Surface Quality Inspection (R) – Ensures steel is free from cracks, seams, and surface defects.
- Internal Soundness Test (R) – Confirms absence of internal defects.
- Non-Destructive Testing (S) – Includes Eddy Current and Magnetic Particle Testing for defect detection.
- Surface Defect Depth Check (R) – Measures allowable defect depth as per BIS limits.
Dimensional & Physical Property Tests
- Dimension Verification Test (R) – Ensures compliance with size and shape requirements.
- Tolerance Compliance Check (R) – Verifies tolerances (h6 to h12 for bright products).
- Shape & Size Inspection (R) – Confirms conformity for wires, rods, bars, and flats.
Sampling & Batch Control Tests
- Sample Selection Verification (R) – Ensures correct sampling per cast/control unit.
- Control Unit Definition Check (R) – Defines batch as material from same heat, size, and process conditions.
- Batch/Heat Traceability Check (R) – Maintains linkage between samples and production batch.
- Random Sampling Compliance (R) – Ensures proper statistical sampling procedures.
BIS Approval Steps for Wrought Carbon Steel

The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the low-alloy steel for Cold Heading meets 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 1): 2022 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
|
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
When a manufacturer obtains a BIS Approval, the ISI Mark for wrought carbon steel for cold extrusion 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 1): 2022 |
| 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.
Wrought Carbon Steel BIS License Validity
After obtaining BIS approval for carbon 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 |
Carbon and Low Alloy Steel BIS License Cost
The cost of BIS Approval for cold extrusion low alloy 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 wrought carbon and low alloy steels used in cold heading and cold extrusion under IS 11169 (Part 1): 2022. The certification guarantees that steel products meet critical quality parameters such as hardenability, tensile strength, hardness, and surface quality. It also guarantees that the steel products are capable of withstanding deformation during cold forming processes without failure. BIS certification is a mandatory requirement for all manufacturers who produce wrought carbon and low alloy steels that are suitable for cold heading and cold extrusion. In addition to complying with the regulatory standards of India, a BIS license enhances customer trust in the quality of the wrought carbon and alloy steel. Manufacturers can rely on EVTL India to simplify and manage the BIS certification process efficiently. They offer support in documentation, application submission, and testing coordination for the carbon and alloy steel used for cold heading /extrusion.