Steel and Iron Products
Specification for Steel Wire for Staples, Pins and Clips
Strategic Recommendations for Specification for Steel Wire for Staples, Pins and Clips – IS 4224:1972
- Start BIS Certification Immediately
Initiate BIS certification planning well before 20 November 2028 to ensure timely compliance with IS 4224:1972 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 4224:1972.
- 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
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- Ensure ISI Marking & Test Certification
Ensure conformity with IS 4224:1972, the required BIS Standard Mark, and the prescribed Test Certificate requirements once the QCO requirement becomes operative.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Steel Wire for Staples, Pins and Clips |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 4224:1972 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Specification for Steel Wire for Staples, Pins and Clips |
| Quality Control Order | Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024 |
| Notification & Amendments | S.O. 3716(E), dated 29 August 2024; amended by Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025, S.O. 5134(E), dated 20 November 2025. |
| Final Enforcement Date | 20 November 2028. The 2025 amendment deferred enforcement for three years. . |
| Objective & Scope | IS 4224:1972 specifies requirements for steel wire intended for manufacturing staples, pins and clips. The requirement is product-specific and applies to steel wire falling under the specified HS classifications. |
| Products Covered | Steel wire used for the manufacture of staples, pins and clips, covered under IS 4224:1972 and the specified HS codes. |
| Applicable HS Codes / ITC (HS) Codes | 72171020, 72171030, 72179099, 72299033, 72299052, 72299059, 72299090. These codes are specifically listed against IS 4224:1972 in the QCO. |
| Exemptions | Steel and steel products manufactured domestically for export and conforming to another specification required by a foreign buyer are excluded from the application of the Order, subject to the applicable conditions. |
| Industries Impacted | Steel wire manufacturers, producers of staples, pins and clips, stationery and office-supply manufacturers, hardware and fastening-product manufacturers, and importers/distributors dealing in the covered steel wire. |
| Mandatory Compliance | From the applicable enforcement date, covered steel wire must conform to IS 4224:1972, bear the required BIS Standard Mark under licence, and be accompanied by the prescribed Test Certificate for each consignment. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Review product specifications and HS classifications, assess conformity with IS 4224:1972, initiate BIS certification planning, arrange required testing, and establish documentation and consignment-level compliance procedures before enforcement. |
| Legal Framework & Enforcement | The Order is issued under Sections 16, 17 and 25(3) of the BIS Act, 2016. BIS is the certifying and enforcement authority for covered steel products. |
| Penalties | Contravention of the applicable requirements is punishable under Section 29 of the BIS Act, 2016. Non-conforming or defective products are required to be dealt with as prescribed under the Order. |
| Conclusion | Manufacturers and importers of steel wire used for staples, pins and clips should use the transition period to complete BIS certification, testing and documentation readiness for IS 4224:1972 before 20 November 2028. |
| References/Annexures | Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024 – S.O. 3716(E); Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025 – S.O. 5134(E); Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026 – S.O. 3300(E). |
Notification
The Ministry of Steel included Steel Wire for Staples, Pins and Clips under IS 4224:1972 in the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024. The specified product is covered under HS codes 72171020, 72171030, 72179099, 72299033, 72299052, 72299059 and 72299090.
Enforcement Timeline
The original QCO provided for immediate implementation. However, the 2025 Amendment Order deferred enforcement of the applicable requirement for three years from its publication. Accordingly, the final enforcement date is 20 November 2028.Â
Overview
IS 4224:1972 specifically addresses steel wire used for manufacturing staples, pins and clips. The compliance requirement therefore focuses on steel wire supplied for these applications and falling within the specified HS classifications.
Objective & Scope
The objective is to ensure that steel wire used in the manufacture of staples, pins and clips conforms to the applicable requirements of IS 4224:1972. The product coverage is linked to the specified steel-wire classifications and intended application.
Products Covered
The covered product is steel wire for the manufacture of staples, pins and clips under IS 4224:1972. The QCO specifically associates the standard with the seven HS codes listed above.
Exemptions Provided
The QCO does not apply to 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 in the Order.
Industries Impacted
The requirement is relevant to steel wire manufacturers and suppliers, as well as manufacturers of staples, pins and clips. It may also affect importers, distributors and businesses sourcing the covered steel wire for manufacturing operations.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
Once enforcement becomes applicable, covered steel wire must conform to IS 4224:1972. The product must carry 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
Businesses should review their product specifications and HS classifications, assess conformity with IS 4224:1972, identify applicable testing requirements, prepare technical documentation and begin BIS certification activities sufficiently ahead of 20 November 2028.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The QCO operates under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, with BIS acting as the certifying and enforcement authority. Non-compliance with the Order is punishable under Section 29 of the BIS Act, 2016.
Conclusion
Manufacturers and suppliers of steel wire intended for staples, pins and clips should use the available transition period to align products, testing, documentation and BIS certification processes with IS 4224:1972. Full compliance should be in place before 20 November 2028.
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