Steel and Iron Products
Soft Magnetic Iron Rods, Bars, Flats and Sections
Strategic Recommendations for Soft Magnetic Iron Rods, Bars, Flats and Sections – IS 11947:1987
- Start BIS Certification Immediately
Apply for BIS certification under IS 11947:1987 without delay — enforcement is effective from 30th August 2024. - Engage ERA Compliance Experts
ERA’s compliance team can assist with BIS application filing, product sampling & testing (magnetic + mechanical), ISI marking and audit preparedness. - Reach Out for Support
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 95992 96331 | 💬 WhatsApp — Support for filing, inspection readiness, and compliance clarifications. - Track QCO Updates & Subscribe ERA Newsletter
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for real-time updates on Government Gazette, QCO amendments, and compliance deadlines. - Ensure ISI Marking & Test Certification
Every consignment must bear the ISI mark and be accompanied by a BIS Test Certificate before sale or import into India. 
															| Section | Details | 
|---|---|
| Product Name | Soft Magnetic Iron Rods, Bars, Flats and Sections | 
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 11947:1987 | 
| Title of Indian Standard | Specification for Soft Magnetic Iron Rods, Bars, Flats and Sections | 
| ITC (HS) Code | 72155090, 72159090, 72161000, 72162100, 72162200, 72163100, 72163200, 72163300, 72164000, 72165000, 72166100, 72166900, 72169100, 72169930, 72169940, 72169990, 72285090, 72286012, 72286099, 72287011, 72287012, 72287021, 72287022, 72288090 | 
| 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 | From 30th August 2024 | 
| Objective & Scope | To ensure quality, magnetic performance and mechanical reliability of soft magnetic iron rods, bars, flats and sections used in electrical and magnetic equipment by mandating adherence to BIS standards. | 
| Products Covered | Soft magnetic iron rods, bars, flats and sections intended for electrical and magnetic applications (transformers, motors, generators and other magnetic assemblies). | 
| Exemptions | Products manufactured domestically only for export and conforming to buyer-specified foreign standards are exempt. | 
| Industries Impacted | - Electrical Equipment & Transformer Manufacturing - Motor & Generator Manufacturing - Electronics & Electromechanical Industries - Steel Processing & Rolling Mills | 
| Mandatory Compliance | - Products must bear the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a BIS license. - Each consignment must be accompanied by a BIS Test Certificate. | 
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | - Apply for BIS certification under Scheme-I. - Align production and testing with IS 11947:1987. - Update QC documentation and lab capabilities for magnetic property tests. - Ensure ISI marking and test certificates prior to sale/import. | 
| 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 notified via S.O. 574(E), dated 5th February 2024. Any future BIS amendments to IS 11947:1987 will automatically apply. | 
| Conclusion | BIS certification and ISI marking are mandatory for soft magnetic iron rods, bars, flats and sections for domestic sale/import in India to ensure magnetic performance and product safety. | 
| 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
The product Soft Magnetic Iron Rods, Bars, Flats and Sections (IS 11947:1987), classified under the ITC (HS) codes 72155090, 72159090, 72161000, 72162100, 72162200, 72163100, 72163200, 72163300, 72164000, 72165000, 72166100, 72166900, 72169100, 72169930, 72169940, 72169990, 72285090, 72286012, 72286099, 72287011, 72287012, 72287021, 72287022 and, 72288090, has been brought under mandatory quality control through the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024, notified via S.O. 3716(E), dated 29th August 2024 by the Ministry of Steel. This order supersedes S.O. 574(E), dated 5th February 2024.
Enforcement Timeline
- Notification Date: 29th August 2024
 - Effective Date: 30th August 2024
 - Enforcement: With immediate effect
 
Overview
The Order mandates compliance with IS 11947:1987 for soft magnetic iron rods, bars, flats and sections to ensure consistent magnetic properties (high permeability, low coercivity/hysteresis) and mechanical integrity for use in transformers, motors, generators and other electromagnetic devices. The ITC (HS) classification supports customs enforcement and trade compliance.
Objective & Scope
To remove substandard magnetic steels from the domestic market and protect end-users in electrical and electromechanical industries by requiring BIS-certified products that meet IS 11947:1987.
Products Covered
Soft magnetic iron rods, bars, flats and sections used in electrical and magnetic assemblies.
Exemptions Provided
Products manufactured exclusively for export and conforming to foreign buyer specifications remain exempt.
Industries Impacted
- Transformers, motors and generator manufacturers
 - Electrical & electronics equipment makers
 - Steel rolling and section/fabrication units
 - OEMs and replacement component suppliers
 
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
- Every consignment must carry the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid BIS license.
 - Compliance with IS 11947:1987 is compulsory.
 - Each consignment must be accompanied by a BIS Test Certificate verifying compliance.
 
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Apply for BIS certification under Scheme-I immediately.
 - Upgrade quality control to measure magnetic parameters (permeability, coercivity, core loss) and mechanical specs per IS 11947:1987.
 - Maintain traceable testing records and test certificates for each consignment.
 - Ensure ISI marking and documentation before sale or import.
 
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
Compliance with IS 11947:1987 and the listed HS codes is mandatory with immediate effect. Manufacturers, importers and traders must obtain BIS certification, mark products with ISI and follow the specified testing & documentation requirements to avoid enforcement action and maintain market access.
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.
