Steel and Iron Products
Carbon-chromium Steel for the Manufacture of Balls, Rollers and Bearing Races
Strategic Recommendations for Carbon-chromium Steel for the Manufacture of Balls, Rollers and Bearing Races – IS 4398:1994
- Start BIS Certification Immediately
Apply for BIS certification under IS 4398:1994 without delay, as enforcement is already effective from 29th August 2024. - Engage ERA Compliance Experts
ERA’s team will assist with BIS application filing, product testing, factory audit preparation, and ISI marking to ensure smooth certification. - Reach Out for Support
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp – Get real-time support for filing, inspection readiness, and compliance clarifications. - Track QCO Updates & Subscribe ERA Newsletter
Stay updated with QCO amendments, BIS notifications, and compliance deadlines by subscribing to ERA’s compliance newsletter. - Ensure ISI Marking & Test Certification
Every consignment of carbon-chromium steel for bearings must bear the ISI mark and be accompanied by a BIS Test Certificate before sale, import, or distribution.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Carbon-chromium Steel for the Manufacture of Balls, Rollers and Bearing Races |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 4398:1994 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Specification for Carbon-chromium Steel for the Manufacture of Balls, Rollers and Bearing Races |
| ITC (HS) Code | 72249091, 72249099, 72279030, 72279090, 72283019, 72283029, 72284000, 72285090, 72286012, 72286099, 72299059, 72299090. |
| 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 – 29th August 2024. |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure carbon-chromium steels used for bearing components conform to BIS standards so as to guarantee performance, durability and safety in critical bearing applications. |
| Products Covered | Carbon-chromium steels intended for manufacture of bearing balls, rollers and races. |
| Exemptions | Products manufactured solely for export and conforming to buyer-specified foreign standards are exempt. |
| Industries Impacted | Bearing manufacturing, automotive, railways, aerospace, heavy machinery, precision engineering and allied sectors. |
| Mandatory Compliance | - BIS certification under Scheme-I is mandatory. - ISI (Standard) Mark must be affixed. - Each consignment must be accompanied by a BIS Test Certificate. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS certification under IS 4398:1994; align production & testing to the standard; update procurement contracts to require ISI-marked inputs; ensure test-certificates accompany domestic consignments. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Governed under Sections 16, 17, and 25(3) of the BIS Act, 2016. BIS is the certifying and enforcement 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). Any future BIS amendments/revisions to IS 4398:1994 will apply automatically to this Order. |
| Conclusion | IS 4398:1994 is now under compulsory conformity control — manufacturers, importers and users must obtain BIS certification, affix ISI marking and supply consignments only with BIS Test Certificates to remain compliant. |
| References/Annexures | Gazette Notification S.O. 3716(E), dated 29th August 2024; Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024; BIS Act, 2016. |
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Notification
Carbon-chromium Steel for the Manufacture of Balls, Rollers and Bearing Races (IS 4398:1994), classified under ITC (HS) codes 72249091, 72249099, 72279030, 72279090, 72283019, 72283029, 72284000, 72285090, 72286012, 72286099, 72299059, 72299090, has been notified under the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024 vide S.O. 3716(E), dated 29th August 2024 by the Ministry of Steel. This supersedes the earlier QCO S.O. 574(E), dated 5th February 2024.
Enforcement Timeline
 The Order is effective immediately from 29th August 2024 for IS 4398:1994.
Overview
 The QCO mandates conformity to IS 4398:1994 for carbon-chromium steels used in bearings to prevent substandard steels entering critical applications and to ensure performance, safety and longevity of bearing components.
Objective & Scope
 To require BIS-marked carbon-chromium steels for manufacturing balls, rollers and races used in bearings across automotive, industrial and transport sectors.
Products Covered
 Carbon-chromium steel grades and forms intended specifically for production of bearing balls, rollers and races.
Exemptions Provided
 Domestic products produced solely for export that conform to buyer-specified foreign standards are exempt from the mandatory QCO requirements.
Industries Impacted
 Bearing manufacturers, automotive OEMs and aftermarket, railways, aerospace, heavy machinery, precision engineering and allied sectors.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
 All covered products must: (a) conform to IS 4398:1994; (b) bear the ISI mark under a valid BIS license (Scheme-I); and (c) be accompanied by a BIS Test Certificate for each domestic consignment.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Manufacturers: Apply for BIS certification under IS 4398:1994 and align testing/QA systems.
- Importers/Traders: Verify suppliers’ BIS licences and ensure Test Certificates before placement in domestic market.
- Procurement/EPC: Update procurement contracts to require ISI-marked material and BIS Test Certificates.
- Export-only Producers: Maintain documentary evidence of export-only status and buyer specifications for exemption.
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 enforcing authority. Penalties for non-compliance under Section 29 include:
- Imprisonment up to 2 years, or
- Fine not less than ₹2 lakh, extendable up to 10 times the value of goods, or both.
- Continuing offences may result in an additional fine of ₹5,000 per day.
Conclusion
 IS 4398:1994 is now compulsorily covered by the QCO with immediate effect. Stakeholders must obtain BIS certification, affix ISI marking and ensure Test Certificates accompany consignments to lawfully market carbon-chromium bearing steels in India.
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.