Steel and Iron Products
Steel for the Manufacture of Laminated Springs (Railway Rolling Stock) – Part 2: Rib and Groove Sections – IS 3885 Part-2:1992
Strategic Recommendations for Steel for the Manufacture of Laminated Springs (Railway Rolling Stock) – Part 2: Rib and Groove Sections – IS 3885 Part-2:1992
- Start BIS Certification Immediately
Initiate BIS certification planning well before 20 November 2028 to ensure timely compliance with IS 3885 Part-2:1992 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 3885 Part-2:1992.
- 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 3885 Part-2:1992, the required BIS Standard Mark, and the prescribed Test Certificate requirements once the QCO requirement becomes operative.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Steel for the Manufacture of Laminated Springs (Railway Rolling Stock) – Part 2: Rib and Groove Sections |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 3885 (Part-2):1992 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Steel for the manufacture of laminated springs (railway rolling stock) Part 2: Rib and Groove Sections – Specification |
| Quality Control Order | Covered under the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024 |
| Notification & Amendments | Principal QCO: S.O. 3716(E), dated 29 August 2024. The Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025 – S.O. 5134(E), dated 20 November 2025, deferred the enforcement of this requirement for three years. |
| Final Enforcement Date | 20 November 2028 |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure that steel rib and groove sections used for manufacturing laminated springs for railway rolling stock meet the quality and performance requirements prescribed under IS 3885 Part-2:1992. |
| Products Covered | Steel for the manufacture of laminated springs for railway rolling stock – Part 2: Rib and Groove Sections, as specified under IS 3885 Part-2:1992. |
| Applicable HS Codes / ITC (HS) Code | 72142010, 72149190, 72149910, 72149990, 72283019, 72283022, 72283029, 72285090, 72286092, 72286099. |
| Exemptions | Steel and steel products manufactured domestically for export and conforming to specifications required by a foreign buyer are excluded from the QCO, subject to applicable conditions. |
| Industries Impacted | Railway rolling stock manufacturers, laminated spring manufacturers, steel manufacturers and processors, railway component suppliers, engineering industries, railway maintenance suppliers, importers and distributors. |
| Mandatory Compliance | Covered products must conform to IS 3885 Part-2:1992, bear the applicable BIS Standard Mark under a BIS licence and comply with prescribed test certification requirements. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Initiate BIS certification planning, assess product conformity, align manufacturing and testing processes with IS 3885 Part-2:1992, maintain quality records and prepare for ISI marking and test certification before the enforcement date. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | The QCO is issued under the BIS Act, 2016. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the certifying and enforcement authority. |
| Penalties | Contravention of the QCO is punishable under Section 29 of the BIS Act, 2016. |
| Conclusion | The enforcement of IS 3885 Part-2:1992 has been deferred under the 2025 amendment, with final enforcement on 20 November 2028. Stakeholders should complete BIS certification and compliance preparations before this date. |
| 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); BIS Act, 2016. |
Notification
Steel for the manufacture of laminated springs (railway rolling stock) Part 2: Rib and Groove Sections – Specification (IS 3885 Part-2:1992) is covered under the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024. The QCO specifies the applicable HS codes and requires conformity with the relevant Indian Standard.
Enforcement Timeline
The final enforcement date is 20 November 2028. The 2025 amendment deferred enforcement for three years from its publication on 20 November 2025.
Overview
The QCO establishes mandatory quality-control requirements for steel rib and groove sections used in the manufacture of laminated springs for railway rolling stock. Compliance with IS 3885 Part-2:1992 is intended to support consistent quality, durability and reliable performance in railway applications.
Objective & Scope
The objective is to ensure that steel rib and groove sections used for laminated railway springs meet the requirements specified in IS 3885 Part-2:1992. The requirements support the quality and performance of spring components used in railway rolling stock.
Products Covered
The requirement covers steel for the manufacture of laminated springs for railway rolling stock – Part 2: Rib and Groove Sections. The specified HS codes are 72142010, 72149190, 72149910, 72149990, 72283019, 72283022, 72283029, 72285090, 72286092 and 72286099.
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 specified in the QCO.
Industries Impacted
The requirements affect railway rolling stock manufacturers, laminated spring manufacturers, steel producers and processors, railway component suppliers, engineering companies, railway maintenance suppliers, importers and distributors handling the covered products.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
Once the requirement becomes operative, covered products must conform to IS 3885 Part-2:1992, carry the BIS Standard Mark under the applicable BIS licence and comply with the prescribed test certification requirements.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
Manufacturers should use the deferment period to initiate BIS certification, conduct conformity assessments, establish appropriate testing procedures and maintain quality documentation. Importers and suppliers should verify BIS compliance before sourcing or supplying covered products in India.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The QCO is issued under the BIS Act, 2016, with BIS acting as the certifying and enforcement authority. Any contravention of the QCO is punishable under Section 29 of the BIS Act, 2016.
Conclusion
IS 3885 Part-2:1992 has a final enforcement date of 20 November 2028. Manufacturers, importers and suppliers should complete BIS certification and conformity preparations well before the enforcement date to ensure uninterrupted compliance.
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