Steel and Iron Products
Carbon and Carbon-Manganese Free-Cutting Steels
Strategic Recommendations for Carbon and Carbon-Manganese Free-Cutting Steels – IS 4431:1978
- Start BIS Certification Immediately
Apply for BIS certification under IS 4431:1978 without delay, as enforcement is effective immediately. - Engage ERA Compliance Experts
ERA’s team can guide with applications, testing, ISI marking, and audit readiness for seamless compliance. - Reach Out for Support
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp – Assistance with certification, inspections, and compliance queries. - Track QCO Updates & Subscribe ERA Newsletter
Subscribe to the ERA Newsletter for updates on Government Gazette notifications, amendments to the Steel and Steel Products QCO, and BIS compliance deadlines. - Ensure ISI Marking & Test Certification
All consignments must carry the ISI mark and a valid BIS Test Certificate before sale or import. Non-conforming material must be scrapped per BIS Act provisions.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Carbon and Carbon-Manganese Free-Cutting Steels |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No | IS 4431:1978 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Specification for Carbon and Carbon-Manganese Free-Cutting Steels |
| ITC (HS) Code | 72071120, 72071190, 72071220, 72071290, 72071910, 72071920, 72071990, 72072010, 72072090, 72131010, 72131090, 72142090, 72149110, 72149190, 72149990, 72282000, 72288090, 72151000, 72155010, 72155090, 72249091, 72249099, 72283029, 72284000, 72285090, 72286093, 72286099, 72287011, 72287012, 72287021, 72287022, 72141090, 72159090, 72241000, 72249040 |
| 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 (30th August 2024) |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure quality, machinability, and mechanical properties of carbon and carbon-manganese free-cutting steels used in engineering, automotive, and industrial applications. |
| Products Covered | Carbon and carbon-manganese free-cutting steels of various grades and forms for general engineering, machining, fasteners, and industrial use. |
| Exemptions | Products manufactured domestically solely for export and conforming to buyer-specified foreign standards are exempt. |
| Industries Impacted | - Engineering & Fabrication- Automotive & Transport- Fasteners & Hardware- Heavy Machinery & Equipment- Consumer Goods |
| Mandatory Compliance | - Products must bear the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a BIS license.- Each consignment must be accompanied by a BIS Test Certificate.- Non-conforming material must be scrapped in accordance with BIS Act provisions. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | - Apply for BIS certification under Scheme-I.- Align production with IS 4431:1978.- Maintain quality control documentation.- Ensure ISI marking before sale in India. |
| 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), dated 5th February 2024). Any future BIS amendments to IS 4431:1978 will automatically apply. |
| Conclusion | Compliance with BIS certification is mandatory for all domestic manufacturers and importers of carbon and carbon-manganese free-cutting steels to ensure safety, quality, and reliability in engineering and industrial applications. |
| References/Annexures | Gazette Notification S.O. 3716(E), dated 29th August 2024; Steel and Steel Products (QCO), 2024; BIS Act, 2016 |
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Notification
The product Carbon and Carbon-Manganese Free-Cutting Steels, classified under ITC (HS) codes 72071120, 72071190, 72071220, 72071290, 72071910, 72071920, 72071990, 72072010, 72072090, 72131010, 72131090, 72142090, 72149110, 72149190, 72149990, 72282000, 72288090, 72151000, 72155010, 72155090, 72249091, 72249099, 72283029, 72284000, 72285090, 72286093, 72286099, 72287011, 72287012, 72287021, 72287022, 72141090, 72159090, 72241000, 72249040, 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 the earlier QCO notified as 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 regulation mandates adherence to IS 4431:1978 for carbon and carbon-manganese free-cutting steels. These steels are widely used in engineering, machining, automotive, fasteners, and industrial applications due to their machinability, mechanical strength, and durability. The classification under ITC HS codes facilitates customs enforcement and trade compliance.
Objective & Scope
The objective of this order is to prevent substandard steel wires from entering the domestic market, safeguard consumer safety, and ensure the reliability of upholstered products across industries.
Products Covered
This applies specifically to carbon and carbon-manganese free-cutting steels of various grades and forms used for machining, general engineering, fasteners, and industrial purposes.
Exemptions Provided
Products manufactured solely for export, conforming to foreign buyer specifications, are exempt.
Industries Impacted
- Engineering & Fabrication
- Automotive & Transport
- Fasteners & Hardware
- Heavy Machinery & Equipment
- Consumer Goods
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
- Every consignment must carry the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid BIS license.
- Compliance with IS 4431:1978 is compulsory.
- Each consignment must include a BIS Test Certificate.
- Non-conforming material must be scrapped in compliance with BIS Act provisions.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Apply for BIS certification under Scheme-I immediately.
- Align production and quality systems with IS 4431:1978.
- Maintain rigorous in-house testing and quality control.
- Ensure marking and certification before distribution or sale in India.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
This order is issued under Sections 16, 17, and 25(3) of the BIS Act, 2016. BIS is the certifying and enforcement authority.
Violation of the Order attracts penalties under Section 29 of the BIS Act, 2016, which include:
- Imprisonment up to 2 years, or
- Fine of not less than ₹2 lakh (extendable up to 10 times the value of goods), or both.
- For continuing offences, an additional fine of up to ₹5,000 per day may be imposed.
Conclusion
Compliance with IS 4431:1978 and the listed ITC (HS) codes is mandatory with immediate effect. Stakeholders must obtain BIS certification, follow marking requirements, and align manufacturing practices to avoid penalties and safeguard 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.