Steel and Iron Products
Case Hardening Steels
Strategic Recommendations for Case Hardening Steels – IS 4432:1988
- Start BIS Certification Immediately
Apply for BIS certification under IS 4432:1988 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 case hardening steel 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 | Case Hardening Steels |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No | IS 4432:1988 |
| Title of Indian Standard | 72072020, 72241000, 72071120, 72071190, 72071220, 72071290, 72071910, 72071990, 72072010, 72072090, 72141090, 72149190, 72149990, 72155090, 72159090, 72249040, 72249091, 72249099, 72282000, 72283029, 72284000, 72285090, 72286099 |
| ITC (HS) Code | 72292000, 72299011, 72299012, 72299013, 72299014, 72299015, 72299016, 72299031, 72299032, 72299033, 72299034, 72299040, 72299051, 72299052, 72299053, 72299054, 72299059, 72299070, 72299090, 72171010, 72171020, 72171030, 72172010, 72172020, 72172030, 72173010, 72173020, 72173030, 72179099 |
| 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, mechanical properties, hardness, and reliability of case hardening steels used in engineering, automotive, and industrial applications. |
| Products Covered | Case hardening steels of various grades used in gears, shafts, fasteners, and critical machinery components. |
| Exemptions | Products manufactured domestically only for export and conforming to buyer-specified foreign standards are exempt. |
| Industries Impacted | - Automotive & Transport- Engineering & Fabrication- Heavy Machinery & Equipment- Tooling & Dies Industry- Consumer Goods Manufacturing |
| 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 as per BIS Act provisions. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | - Apply for BIS certification under Scheme-I.- Align production with IS 4432:1988.- Maintain quality control and testing 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 4432:1988 will automatically apply. |
| Conclusion | Compliance with BIS certification is mandatory for all domestic manufacturers and importers of case hardening steels to ensure safety, quality, and reliability in engineering and automotive applications. |
| References/Annexures | Gazette Notification S.O. 3716(E), dated 29th August 2024; Steel and Steel Products (QCO), 2024; BIS Act, 2016 |
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.
Get in touch with us today
Notification
The product Case Hardening Steels, classified under ITC (HS) codes 72072020, 72241000, 72071120, 72071190, 72071220, 72071290, 72071910, 72071990, 72072010, 72072090, 72141090, 72149190, 72149990, 72155090, 72159090, 72249040, 72249091, 72249099, 72282000, 72283029, 72284000, 72285090, 72286099, 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 4432:1988 for case hardening steels. These steels are widely used in gears, shafts, fasteners, and other critical components in automotive, engineering, and industrial applications. The ITC HS codes facilitate customs enforcement and trade compliance.
Objective & Scope
The order seeks to eliminate substandard case hardening steels from the domestic market and ensure BIS-certified production for automotive, engineering, and consumer industries.
Products Covered
This applies specifically to case hardening steels of various grades used in gears, shafts, fasteners, and critical machinery components.
Exemptions Provided
Products manufactured solely for export, conforming to foreign buyer specifications, are exempt.
Industries Impacted
- Automotive & Transport
- Engineering & Fabrication
- Heavy Machinery & Equipment
- Tooling & Dies Industry
- Consumer Goods Manufacturing
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
- Every consignment must carry the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid BIS license.
- Compliance with IS 4432:1988 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 2589:1975.
- 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:
- 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 2589:1975 is now mandatory. All manufacturers and importers must ensure BIS certification, proper ISI marking, and quality documentation to avoid penalties and maintain smooth 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.