In today’s construction and industrial manufacturing, there is a need for products made of steel
that could resist tough climatic conditions. The hot-dip zinc-aluminium-magnesium alloy-coated
steel sheets, plates, and strips have been formulated to enhance the surface resistance
properties. Such products are produced through the application of protective alloy coatings to
the steel. This helps prevent rusting and extends service life.
It is important to obtain the BIS certification to ensure that the coated steel products meet the
performance parameters. There are some minimum requirements that one needs to consider,
such as checking the coating composition, determining the dimension, and evaluating the
surface finish. Adhering to the standard helps ensure satisfactory performance in different
operating conditions. Manufacturers are required to get the BIS certification for steel products to
sell in the market.
What is IS 18513: 2023?
This is the Indian Standard for Hot-Dip ZAM Alloy Coated Steel Sheets. It mentions a few
criteria, such as coating composition and surface quality, to ensure the reliable performance of
coated steel used in construction and industrial applications. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian
Standards),steel products are:
- Inspected for surface finish
- Checked for corrosion resistance
- Evaluated for coating mass
- Verified for dimensional accuracy
Coated Steel Plates and Strips BIS License Eligibility
BIS authorisation under IS 18513: 2023 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing,
importing, or supplying Hot-Dip Coated Steel Products in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the Corrosion-Resistant Steel Sheets
are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export ZAM Steel to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified Industrial Coated Steel Products.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure the corrosion resistance of coated steel used in construction and industrial
applications, the Bureau of Indian Standards outlines the minimum requirements under IS
18513: 2023. This certification ensures that manufacturers meet the prescribed standards for
alloy-coated steel sheets.
The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the coated steel products are listed below:
How to get a BIS License for ZAM-coated steel?

The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the Advanced Metal Coating Steel 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 laboratories for dimensional accuracy, mechanical strength, and overall material performance.
- 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 satisfactorily met, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: Once approved, the manufacturer can affix the ISI mark on the product with a CM/L number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.
Documents checklist for IS 18513 : 2023 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 are required to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India. This person is the local point of contact for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and takes care of all rules and compliance work in India.
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
After the BIS approval, the ISI Mark for Hot-Dip Alloy Coated Steel must be clearly and
permanently marked on its packaging or on the product. Along with the ISI Mark, a few details
such as the manufacturer’s identification and licence number (CM/L) are required. This ensures
the product complies with all safety and quality standards. More details are mentioned below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 18513 : 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 details for zam steel sheets BIS License
| 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 |
Cost for costed steel plates BIS approval
The cost of BIS Approval for Non-Pressure Sewerage Pipes 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.
- The marking fee is determined based on the product category and production volume (MSME benefits may apply).
- Testing charges are paid directly to BIS-recognised laboratories.
- Consultancy fees vary depending on product type and factory location.
Conclusion
Hot-dip ZAM alloy-coated steel products are gaining popularity when it comes to applications
requiring better protection from corrosion. The product’s certification as per IS 18513: 2023
standard indicates that the product meets the quality and performance standards. Certified
products offer long service life, lower maintenance costs, and greater reliability.
Assistance from EVTL India can be obtained by manufacturers or firms seeking the BIS
certification for coated steel products. Document preparation, testing procedures, and other
such related issues can all be handled through their assistance.