Steel and Iron Products
Ferronickel
Strategic Recommendations for Ferronickel – IS 4409:2023
- Begin BIS Certification Immediately
Compliance with IS 4409:2023 is mandatory with immediate effect from 23rd October 2024. Manufacturers and importers should apply for BIS certification without delay. - Consult ERA Compliance Experts
Partner with ERA’s compliance team for complete support in BIS applications, testing, ISI marking, and audit readiness. - Reach Out for Support
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp – Assistance for QCO filings, test certification, and inspection readiness. - Track QCO Updates & Subscribe to ERA Newsletter
Subscribe to the ERA Newsletter for real-time updates on Government Gazette notifications, BIS amendments, and compliance timelines for ferronickel. - Ensure Marking & Documentation
Every consignment must carry the ISI Mark with licence number and a valid BIS Test Certificate. Non-conforming ferronickel must be disposed of as scrap under BIS Act provisions.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Ferronickel |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 4409:2023 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Ferronickel – Specification |
| ITC (HS) Code | 72026000 |
| 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 | 23rd October 2024 |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure high-quality ferronickel for industrial and alloy applications, enhancing reliability and safety in steel manufacturing. |
| Products Covered | All ferronickel conforming to IS 4409:2023. |
| Exemptions | Products manufactured solely for export and conforming to foreign buyer specifications. |
| Industries Impacted | - Stainless Steel Manufacturing- Alloy Steel Production- Foundries & Metallurgical Units- Industrial Equipment Manufacturers |
| Mandatory Compliance | - Products must bear the ISI Standard Mark under a valid BIS licence.- Each consignment must be accompanied by a BIS Test Certificate.- Non-conforming ferronickel must be disposed of as scrap. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | - Apply for BIS certification under Scheme–I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.- Align production and testing with IS 4409:2023.- Ensure ISI marking and BIS Test Certificate accompany all consignments.- Exporters should verify exemption applicability. |
| 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 4409:2023 is mandatory from 23rd October 2024 for all ferronickel. |
| References/Annexures | Gazette Notification S.O. 3716(E), dated 29th August 2024; Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024; BIS Act, 2016 |
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Notification
The product Ferronickel, classified under ITC (HS) Code 72026000, has been brought under mandatory quality certification through the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024. This was notified via S.O. 3716(E), dated 29th August 2024, by the Ministry of Steel, superseding the earlier QCO S.O. 574(E), dated 5th February 2024.
Enforcement Timeline
- Notification Date: 29th August 2024
- Effective Date: 23rd October 2024
- Enforcement: Mandatory from the effective date
Overview
This regulation makes it compulsory for ferronickel to conform to IS 4409:2023, ensuring consistent quality and reliability for industrial and alloy steel applications. Compliance protects downstream industries and end-users from risks associated with substandard ferronickel.
Objective & Scope
The primary objective is to eliminate poor-quality ferronickel from the domestic market and enforce uniform BIS-certified standards for all producers and importers.
Products Covered
All ferronickel products conforming to IS 4409:2023 are covered.
Exemptions Provided
Ferronickel manufactured exclusively for export and conforming to foreign buyer specifications is exempt.
Industries Impacted
The order affects:
- Stainless Steel Manufacturing
- Alloy Steel Production
- Foundries & Metallurgical Units
- Industrial Equipment Manufacturing
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
- Products must carry the ISI Mark under a valid BIS licence.
- Each consignment must include a BIS Test Certificate.
- Non-conforming ferronickel must be disposed of as scrap.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Manufacturers & Importers: Apply for BIS licence under Scheme–I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
- Testing & Production: Align production and in-house testing with IS 4409:2023.
- Supply Chain Compliance: Ensure ISI marking and BIS Test Certificate accompany each consignment.
- Export Units: Confirm exemption applicability for consignments manufactured solely for export.
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. Violations attract penalties under Section 29:
- Imprisonment up to 2 years, or
- Fine of not less than ₹2 lakh, extendable up to 10× value of goods, or both.
- Continuing offences may attract an additional fine of ₹5,000 per day.
Conclusion
Effective 23rd October 2024, BIS certification is mandatory for ferronickel under IS 4409:2023. All manufacturers and importers must comply to ensure quality, legality, and smooth domestic and international market operations.
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.