Steel and Iron Products
Low Nickel Austenitic Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip for Utensils and Kitchen Appliances
Strategic Recommendations for Low Nickel Austenitic Stainless Steel Sheet & Strip – IS 15997:2012
- Begin BIS Certification Immediately
Enforcement under IS 15997:2012 is already effective from 30th August 2024. Apply for BIS certification without delay to avoid disruption in utensil and kitchen appliance supply. - Consult ERA Compliance Professionals
ERA’s compliance team can assist with BIS applications, product testing, ISI marking, and audit readiness for kitchenware and appliance manufacturers. - Reach Out for Support
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp – Get support for certification filing, HS code mapping, lab readiness, and exemption queries. - Track QCO Amendments & Subscribe ERA Newsletter
Subscribe to the ERA Newsletter for Government Gazette updates, corrigenda, and compliance deadlines related to stainless steel product QCOs. - Ensure ISI Marking & Documentation
Every consignment of stainless steel sheet and strip must carry the ISI mark with BIS licence number and be supported by a BIS Test Certificate before sale or import clearance.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Low Nickel Austenitic Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip for Utensils and Kitchen Appliances |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 15997:2012 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Low Nickel Austenitic Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip for Utensils and Kitchen Appliances – Specification |
| ITC (HS) Code | 72191300, 72191400, 72192320, 72192390, 72192421, 72192422, 72192423, 72192429, 72192490, 72193220, 72193290, 72193320, 72193390, 72193420, 72193490, 72193520, 72193590, 72199012, 72199013, 72199090, 72201290, 72202090, 72209090 |
| Quality Control Order | Covered under the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024 |
| Notification & Amendments | S.O. 3716(E), dated 29th August 2024 (superseding S.O. 574(E), dated 5th February 2024) |
| Final Enforcement Date | With immediate effect (30th August 2024) |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure high-quality stainless steel sheets and strips for utensils and kitchen appliances, eliminating substandard and unsafe materials from the domestic and import market. |
| Products Covered | All categories of low nickel austenitic stainless steel sheets and strips covered under IS 15997:2012. |
| Exemptions | Products manufactured domestically solely for export and conforming to buyer-specified foreign standards are exempt. |
| Industries Impacted | - Kitchenware & Utensil Manufacturing - Household Appliance Industry - Food Processing Equipment - Hospitality & Catering - Consumer Goods |
| Mandatory Compliance | - Products must carry the ISI Mark under a valid BIS licence. - Each consignment must be accompanied by a BIS Test Certificate. - Non-conforming products must be scrapped in line with BIS Act provisions. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS certification, align production to IS 15997:2012, and ensure BIS-marked consignments before domestic sale or import clearance. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Issued under Sections 16, 17, and 25(3) of the BIS Act, 2016. BIS is the certifying and enforcing authority. |
| Penalties | Imprisonment up to 2 years or fine of not less than ₹2 lakh (extendable up to 10× the value of goods) or both. Continuing offences may attract an additional ₹5,000 per day fine. |
| Supersession & Amendment Clause | Supersedes earlier QCO (S.O. 574(E), dated 5th February 2024). Any future BIS amendments to IS 2879:1998 will automatically apply. |
| Conclusion | Compliance with IS 15997:2012 is mandatory with immediate effect for stainless steel sheet and strip products used in utensils and kitchen appliances. |
| References/Annexures | Gazette Notification S.O. 3716(E), dated 29th August 2024; Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024; BIS Act, 2016 |
Ready to start your certification journey?
Let us help you navigate regulatory challenges and achieve certification with ease. Leave us your details, and we’ll get back to you—or request a free consultation today.
Get in touch with us today
Notification
The product Low Nickel Austenitic Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip for Utensils and Kitchen Appliances, falling under ITC (HS) Codes 72191300, 72191400, 72192320, 72192390, 72192421, 72192422, 72192423, 72192429, 72192490, 72193220, 72193290, 72193320, 72193390, 72193420, 72193490, 72193520, 72193590, 72199012, 72199013, 72199090, 72201290, 72202090, and 72209090, has been brought under mandatory quality control through the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024. This was notified by the Ministry of Steel via S.O. 3716(E), dated 29th August 2024, superseding the earlier QCO S.O. 574(E), dated 5th February 2024.
Enforcement Timeline
- Notification Date: 29th August 2024
- Effective Date: 30th August 2024
- Enforcement: With immediate effect
Overview
This regulation makes it compulsory for all stainless steel plates, sheets, and strips to conform to IS 6911:2017, ensuring higher reliability, safety, and consistent quality for industrial and commercial usage.
Objective & Scope
The order safeguards households, food processing units, and kitchenware manufacturers by ensuring only certified stainless steel sheets and strips are available in the Indian market.
Products Covered
Applies to all stainless steel sheets and strips manufactured or imported under IS 15997:2012.
Exemptions Provided
Products manufactured exclusively for export and conforming to foreign buyer standards are exempt.
Industries Impacted
The order impacts kitchenware and utensil makers, household appliance manufacturers, consumer goods companies, hospitality & catering industries, and food processing equipment manufacturers.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
- All consignments must carry the ISI Mark under a BIS licence.
- Each batch must be accompanied by a BIS Test Certificate.
- Non-compliant material must be scrapped in line with BIS Act provisions.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
Manufacturers and importers must:
- Apply for BIS Certification under Scheme-I of BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018.
- Map products to ITC (HS) Codes to ensure proper classification.
- Align manufacturing and testing processes with IS 15997:2012.
- Ensure ISI marking and certification before sale in the domestic market or customs clearance for imports.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The order is issued under Sections 16, 17, and 25(3) of the BIS Act, 2016, with BIS as the certifying and enforcement authority. Penalties under Section 29 apply, including:
- Imprisonment up to 2 years, or
- Fine not less than ₹2 lakh, extendable up to 10× the value of goods, or both.
- For continuing offences, an additional fine of ₹5,000 per day.
Conclusion
With immediate effect, compliance with IS 15997:2012 is mandatory for stainless steel sheets and strips used in utensils and kitchen appliances. Stakeholders must act quickly to secure BIS licences, update production lines, and ensure proper marking to avoid penalties and market restrictions.
Ready to start your certification journey?
Let us help you navigate regulatory challenges and achieve certification with ease. Leave us your details, and we’ll get back to you—or request a free consultation today.