Steel and Iron Products
Specification for Steel Wire for Spokes
Strategic Recommendations for Specification for Steel Wire for Spokes – IS 6902:1973
- Start BIS Certification Immediately
Initiate BIS certification planning well before 20 November 2028 to ensure timely compliance with IS 6902:1973 when the deferred QCO requirement becomes operative.
- Engage ERA Compliance Experts
ERA provides end-to-end assistance including BIS application filing, product testing coordination, documentation, factory inspection readiness and certification support for IS 6902:1973.
- Reach Out for Support
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp – Get expert guidance on BIS certification, testing, inspections and QCO compliance. - Track QCO Updates
Subscribe to the ERA Newsletter to stay informed about Gazette notifications, amendments, enforcement changes and BIS updates affecting IS 6902:1973. - Ensure ISI Marking & Test Certification
Ensure conformity with IS 6902:1973, the required BIS Standard Mark, and the prescribed Test Certificate requirements once the QCO requirement becomes operative.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Steel Wire for Spokes |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 6902:1973 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Specification for Steel Wire for Spokes |
| Quality Control Order | Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024 |
| Notification & Amendments | S.O. 3716(E), dated 29 August 2024, as amended by the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025 – S.O. 5134(E), dated 20 November 2025, and the 2026 Amendment Order – S.O. 3300(E), dated 20 June 2026. The 2025 amendment deferred the enforcement applicable to IS 6902:1973 by three years. |
| Final Enforcement Date | 20 November 2028 |
| Objective & Scope | IS 6902:1973 specifically covers steel wire intended for use in the manufacture of spokes. The requirement is focused on the conformity of such steel wire with the applicable Indian Standard. |
| Products Covered | Steel wire for spokes falling within the HS classifications specified for IS 6902:1973. The product is intended for use in the manufacture of spokes for applicable wheel assemblies. |
| Applicable HS Codes / ITC (HS) Codes | 72171010, 72172010, 72179019, 72179091, 72179099, 72299033, 72299034, 72299040, 72299059, 72299090. These HS codes are specifically listed against steel wire for spokes under the QCO. |
| Exemptions | Steel and steel products manufactured domestically for export and conforming to another specification required by a foreign buyer are exempt from the Order, subject to the prescribed conditions. |
| Industries Impacted | Steel wire manufacturers, bicycle and motorcycle component manufacturers, wheel and spoke manufacturers, automotive component industries, engineering industries, importers and distributors of the covered steel wire. |
| Mandatory Compliance | From the applicable enforcement date, covered steel wire must conform to IS 6902:1973, bear the BIS Standard Mark under licence, and be accompanied by the prescribed Test Certificate with each consignment. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Review product specifications and HS classifications, assess conformity with IS 6902:1973, arrange required testing, initiate BIS certification, prepare technical documentation and establish compliant procurement and supply procedures before enforcement. |
| Legal Framework & Enforcement | The QCO is issued under Sections 16, 17 and 25(3) of the BIS Act, 2016. BIS is the certifying and enforcing authority for the covered steel products. |
| Penalties | Contravention of the QCO is punishable under Section 29 of the BIS Act, 2016. |
| Conclusion | Manufacturers and importers of steel wire for spokes should complete BIS certification, testing and documentation preparations well before 20 November 2028 to ensure uninterrupted compliance. |
| References/Annexures | Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024 – S.O. 3716(E); Amendment Order, 2025 – S.O. 5134(E); Amendment Order, 2026 – S.O. 3300(E). |
Notification
The Ministry of Steel included Steel Wire for Spokes under IS 6902:1973 in the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024. The QCO specifically covers the product under HS codes 72171010, 72172010, 72179019, 72179091, 72179099, 72299033, 72299034, 72299040, 72299059 and 72299090.
Enforcement Timeline
The original QCO provided for immediate implementation. The 2025 Amendment Order subsequently deferred the enforcement applicable to IS 6902:1973 for three years from the date of publication. Accordingly, the final enforcement date is 20 November 2028. The 2026 amendment does not further change the enforcement date applicable to this product.
Overview
IS 6902:1973 is a product-specific Indian Standard for steel wire used for spokes. The requirement applies to the covered steel wire rather than to spokes as a finished component.
Objective & Scope
The objective is to ensure that steel wire supplied for the manufacture of spokes conforms to the requirements of IS 6902:1973. The regulatory scope is linked to the specified product description and the HS classifications mapped to this standard.
Products Covered
The covered product is steel wire for spokes under IS 6902:1973. The QCO specifically identifies the applicable HS classifications covering different forms and classifications of steel wire.
Exemptions Provided
The QCO provides an exemption for steel and steel products manufactured domestically for export where the products conform to another specification required by a foreign buyer, subject to the conditions prescribed under the Order.
Industries Impacted
The requirement primarily affects steel wire manufacturers and suppliers, as well as manufacturers of bicycle, motorcycle and other wheel spokes. Automotive and engineering component manufacturers, importers and distributors dealing in the covered steel wire may also be impacted.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
Once the requirement becomes operative, covered steel wire must conform to IS 6902:1973. It must bear the BIS Standard Mark under the applicable BIS licence, and each consignment must be accompanied by the prescribed Test Certificate issued by a BIS-certified manufacturer.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
Manufacturers and importers should review their steel-wire products against IS 6902:1973, verify the applicable HS classification, identify testing requirements and begin BIS certification activities. Documentation, quality-control and supply-chain processes should also be aligned before 20 November 2028.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The QCO has been issued under Sections 16, 17 and 25(3) of the BIS Act, 2016. BIS is responsible for certification and enforcement, while covered products must comply with the applicable Indian Standard and carry the required Standard Mark. Contravention is punishable under Section 29 of the BIS Act, 2016.
Conclusion
IS 6902:1973 specifically regulates steel wire intended for spokes. Stakeholders should use the transition period to complete product testing, BIS certification and documentation readiness and ensure full compliance before 20 November 2028.
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