BIS Certification for Steel Imports: Process, Documents and Compliance

Steel products are among the most heavily imported goods into India, making the role of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) crucial in maintaining the quality and safety of imported steel. With the large volume of imports, there's also a significant risk of product dumping, where substandard steel may flood the market. To combat this, obtaining BIS Certification for Steel is a necessity for importers to ensure that their products meet India’s stringent standards and regulations.

Why Do You Need BIS Certification for Import of Steel?

BIS Certification for Steel Import is mandatory for most steel products entering India, providing several key benefits to importers and the industry at large:

1. Stay Compliant with Regulations

• The Indian government mandates that certain steel products meet national standards. BIS Certification ensures compliance with these laws, preventing potential legal issues, fines, or delays in customs clearance.

2. Ensure Quality

• BIS Certification guarantees that imported steel products adhere to the required Indian Standards (IS), ensuring the quality, safety, and reliability of the steel. For importers, having steel products that comply with BIS standards is critical to maintaining the integrity of their business and meeting market expectations.

3. Build Trust and Credibility

• The ISI Mark on steel products indicates adherence to high-quality standards. Importers who offer BIS-certified products are perceived as trustworthy and reliable. This fosters better relationships with customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies, ultimately enhancing the importer’s credibility in the market.

4. Stop Product Dumping

• Given the high volume of steel imports into India, there's a risk of product dumping, where low-quality or non-compliant steel products are introduced into the market at lower prices. BIS Certification helps prevent this by ensuring only high-quality products are allowed into the country, protecting both consumers and the steel industry.

Types of Steel Requiring BIS Certification

India’s stringent regulations cover various steel products that require BIS Certification. These include:

• Carbon Steel Products: Hot-rolled and cold-rolled sheets, plates, and strips.

• Alloy Steel Products: Billets, bars, rods, and other items.

• Stainless Steel Products: Sheets, strips, and pipes.

Each of these categories must meet the necessary standards as laid out by BIS to ensure quality and safety.

Commonly Used Indian Standards (IS) Related to Steel Imports

BIS has outlined various standards to ensure that imported steel meets specific technical and safety requirements. Some of the most commonly used Indian Standards (IS) for steel products include:

• IS 1786: Reinforced high-strength deformed steel bars and wires for concrete.

• IS 2062: Hot-rolled low, medium, and high tensile structural steel.

• IS 3024: Cold-rolled low-carbon steel sheets and strips.

Each of these standards focuses on different types of steel products, ensuring that they meet the required chemical compositions, mechanical properties, and performance standards.

BIS Certification Process for Steel Imports

The process to obtain BIS Certification for steel imports involves several stages:

1. Application Submission: Importers must submit an application detailing product specifications, manufacturing information, and quality control procedures.

2. Product Testing: Steel samples undergo testing in BIS-approved laboratories to verify their compliance with the relevant standards.

3. Factory Inspection: BIS may conduct inspections of the manufacturing facilities to verify compliance with production norms and quality standards.

4. Grant of License: After successful evaluation, BIS grants a license, allowing the importer to affix the ISI Mark on the certified steel products.

5. Surveillance and Renewal: Regular audits and product testing ensure continued compliance with standards, and certification must be renewed periodically.

Documentation Required for BIS Certification for Steel Imports

To obtain BIS Certification, importers need to submit comprehensive documentation, which includes:

• Product Specifications: Detailed technical information about the steel type and grade.

• Manufacturing Details: Information about the production processes used to create the steel.

• Quality Control Plans: Documentation on how the steel products are tested and assured for quality.

• Test Reports: Results from tests conducted in BIS-recognized laboratories to ensure compliance with relevant standards.

• Factory Inspection Reports: If applicable, inspection reports from previous visits by BIS officials to the manufacturing facility.

These documents are essential for demonstrating that the imported steel products meet the necessary standards for quality and safety.

How Long Is BIS Certification Valid for Steel Imports?

BIS Certification for steel products typically remains valid for 1-3 years, depending on the product. After the validity period expires, the certification must be renewed. This renewal process requires re-testing and re-evaluation by BIS to ensure that the steel products continue to meet the required standards.

Can Steel Be Imported Without BIS Certification?

No, Generally, steel products cannot be imported into India without BIS Certification. However, certain exemptions apply, depending on the nature of the product. For exempted products, importers must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) Certificate for Steel from the Ministry of Steel for customs clearance. The Ministry periodically issues Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to specify which products need certification and which are exempt.

BIS Standards for Stainless Steel and Structure Steel 

BIS has specific standards for different steel products to ensure their quality and safety:

• Stainless Steel Products:
  IS 6911 governs stainless steel products, ensuring they meet the required chemical composition and mechanical properties for items like sheets, strips, and plates.

• Steel Structures:
  IS 800 provides guidelines for the design and construction of steel structures, ensuring their safety and stability in construction applications.

Adhering to these standards is essential for manufacturers and importers to ensure the structural integrity and durability of steel products.

Challenges To Get BIS Certification for Steel Imports

Importers may face several challenges in the certification process, such as:

• Complex Documentation: The documentation required for BIS certification can be exhaustive and difficult to prepare.

• Testing Delays: Limited availability of BIS-recognized laboratories may lead to delays in product testing.

• Regulatory Changes: Frequent updates to regulations and standards may require importers to adapt quickly to maintain compliance.

Engaging with experienced consultants can help navigate these challenges more effectively and streamline the certification process

Why Choose ASC Group for BIS Certification Registration?

Generally the BIS certification process can be complex, but with ASC Group, you’ll have top BIS experts who have more than 25+ years of Expertise in BIS Compliance, they provide end to end support at every step. Our team ensures a seamless process by handling documentation, product testing, and compliance with the latest BIS Regulations. With our support, you can avoid delays and ensure your steel products meet India’s high-quality standards. Contact us today to Get your BIS certification process efficiently.