Bolts, Nuts and Fasteners
Step Bolts for Steel Structures
Strategic Recommendations for Threaded Steel Fastener - Step Bolts for Steel Structures (10238:2001)
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS certification under IS 10238:2001 immediately. Enforcement under the Bolts, Nuts & Fasteners QCO, 2024 follows the notified phased deadlines. Ensure product testing is conducted only in BIS-recognised laboratories. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Consult the ERA Compliance Team for end-to-end assistance with BIS licence filing, documentation, ISI mark artwork approvals, and exemption declarations. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Support available for BIS applications, lab coordination, import compliance, and exemption handling. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to the ERA Newsletter for real-time updates on the Fasteners QCO, including BIS circulars, amendments, MSME deferments, import value caps, and R&D/spares exemptions. - Do a Gap Assessment
Review current threaded fastener inventory, packaging, and ISI marking compliance. Declare non-marked or exempted stock as per timelines to avoid seizure or penalties.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Step Bolts for Steel Structures |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 10238:2001. |
| Title of Indian Standard | Fasteners – Threaded Steel Fastener – Step Bolts for Steel Structures. |
| Quality Control Order | Bolts, Nuts and Fasteners (Quality Control) Order, 2024. |
| Notification & Amendments | Notified via S.O. 2771(E), dated 12 July 2024. Supersedes: Bolts, Nuts and Fasteners (Quality Control) Order, 2023 (S.O. 3267(E), dated 21 July 2023). |
| Final Enforcement Date | For Large Enterprises: 1 August 2024, For Small Enterprises: 1 November 2024, For Micro Enterprises: 1 February 2025. |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure structural safety and reliability of threaded steel step bolts used in steel structures, mandating BIS certification under IS 10238:2001. |
| Products Covered | Threaded steel fasteners – step bolts designed for use in climbing and maintenance of steel structures such as towers, poles, and girders. |
| Exemptions | - Products meant exclusively for export. - Imports as part of finished goods/sub-assemblies. - Enterprises registered on Udyam Portal with plant & machinery cost ≤ ₹25 lakh and turnover ≤ ₹2 crore (previous FY). - R&D imports up to 200 kg/year. - Import substitution allowance: 80% (2024-25), 70% (2025-26), 50% (2026-27). - Spares/after-sales service: up to 5% of 2023-24 imports. |
| Industries Impacted | Steel Structures & Construction, Power Transmission & Telecom Towers, Railways & Infrastructure, Heavy Engineering. |
| Mandatory Compliance | ISI marking mandatory under BIS license (Scheme-I of BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018). |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS license, Complete testing in BIS-recognized labs, Declare old/imported stock for exemptions, Ensure ISI marking before sale/import. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Enforced under BIS Act, 2016. BIS is the certifying authority; violation punishable under the Act. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | • Seizure of non-compliant goods • Suspension or cancellation of licence • Fines or imprisonment up to two years, or both |
| Conclusion | BIS certification is mandatory for threaded steel step bolts (IS 10238:2001). The 2024 QCO replaces the 2023 Order with phased enforcement timelines for large, small, and micro enterprises. |
| References / Annexures | QCO 2024: S.O. 2771(E) [12 July 2024] Superseded QCO 2023: S.O. 3267(E) [21 July 2023] |
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Notification
Step Bolts for Steel Structures (IS 10238:2001) have been notified under the Bolts, Nuts and Fasteners (Quality Control) Order, 2024, issued via S.O. 2771(E) dated 12 July 2024 by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry under the BIS Act, 2016. This Order supersedes the earlier QCO of 2023 and makes BIS certification mandatory for threaded steel step bolts used in structural applications.
Enforcement Timeline
- Large and Medium Enterprises: 1 August 2024
- Small Enterprises: 1 November 2024
- Micro Enterprises: 1 February 2025
Overview
Step bolts are specialized threaded fasteners designed for use in steel structures, particularly in transmission towers, poles, and other elevated frameworks where they serve both as fastening elements and footholds for climbing. Unlike regular bolts, step bolts must meet stringent safety and load-bearing requirements, as they are directly related to worker safety. IS 10238:2001 provides specifications for the design, material, strength, and safety performance of step bolts to ensure reliability under dynamic and static loading conditions.
Objective & Scope
The purpose of IS 10238:2001 is to regulate the manufacturing quality, dimensional uniformity, and load capacity of threaded steel step bolts. The scope includes provisions for raw material selection, thread dimensions, mechanical strength, corrosion resistance (coatings/galvanization), and performance testing. The standard ensures bolts can be safely used as climbing aids in steel structures without risk of failure.
Products Covered
This standard applies to Threaded Steel Step Bolts intended for use in steel structures such as transmission towers, poles, and industrial frameworks. These bolts are manufactured from carbon or alloy steels and are designed with wider, rounded heads to provide a safe foothold, in addition to their fastening role.
Exemptions Provided
Under the 2024 QCO, the following exemptions are available:
- Step bolts manufactured exclusively for export.
- Bolts imported as part of a finished product, sub-assembly, or component.
- Step bolts produced by micro-enterprises registered on the Udyam Portal with plant & machinery investment ≤ ₹25 lakhs and turnover ≤ ₹2 crores.
- A 3-year exemption for imports used for export-oriented manufacturing.
- Imports of up to 200 kg annually permitted for research and development.\
- Up to 5% of the 2023–24 import value allowed for spares and after-sales service.
Industries Impacted
- Fastener Manufacturers – must obtain BIS certification for production.
- Power Transmission & Distribution Sector – critical reliance on certified step bolts for tower safety.
- Construction & Heavy Engineering – require BIS-compliant fasteners for tall steel structures.
- Utility Companies & Infrastructure Projects – must procure BIS-marked step bolts for safety compliance.
- Importers & Exporters – bound by certification rules with limited exemptions.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
- All step bolts under IS 10238:2001 must bear the ISI mark.
- Certification is compulsory under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
- Step bolts must be tested at BIS-recognized laboratories for compliance.\
- Products must be packaged and labeled with the ISI mark before sale or use in infrastructure projects.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Manufacturers: Apply for BIS certification, align production and coating processes with IS standards, and ensure packaging compliance.
- Importers: Review exemption eligibility, maintain records of imports, and declare old stock.
- Utilities & EPC Contractors: Mandate BIS-certified step bolts in procurement contracts.
- Industry Bodies: Educate stakeholders on the safety-critical nature of compliance.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
Compliance is enforced under the BIS Act, 2016, with BIS as the certification and enforcement authority.
Non-compliance may attract penalties including seizure of goods, cancellation of BIS licenses, financial fines, and imprisonment up to two years, or both.
Conclusion
From 1 August 2024 (with staggered deadlines for SMEs), Threaded Steel Step Bolts (IS 10238:2001) must comply with BIS certification and bear the ISI mark. The 2024 QCO strengthens safety standards for fasteners used in structural and transmission tower applications. Manufacturers and utility providers must act promptly to ensure compliance and safeguard both infrastructure reliability and worker safety.
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.