Steel and Iron Products
Ferronickel
Strategic Recommendations for Specification for Ferronickel – IS 4409:2023
- Begin BIS Certification Immediately
Initiate BIS certification planning well before 20 November 2028 to ensure timely compliance with IS 4409:2023 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 4409:2023.
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- Ensure ISI Marking & Test Certification Ensure conformity with IS 4409:2023, the required BIS Standard Mark, and the prescribed Test Certificate requirements once the QCO requirement becomes operative.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Ferronickel |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 4409:2023 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Specification for Ferronickel |
| Quality Control Order | Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024 |
| Notification & Amendments | The product is covered under the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024, as amended by the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025 – S.O. 5134(E), dated 20 November 2025. The 2025 amendment deferred the enforcement of the applicable requirement for a period of three years from publication. |
| Final Enforcement Date | 20 November 2028 |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure that Ferronickel supplied in India conforms to the requirements of IS 4409:2023, thereby maintaining prescribed quality and consistency. |
| Products Covered | Ferronickel conforming to IS 4409:2023 – Specification for Ferronickel, classified under HS Code 72026000. |
| Applicable HS Code / ITC (HS) Code | 72026000 |
| Exemptions | The general QCO exemption applies to steel and steel products manufactured domestically for export where such products conform to another specification required by the foreign buyer, subject to the applicable conditions. |
| Industries Impacted | Ferronickel manufacturers, importers, ferro-alloy producers, stainless steel manufacturers, metal processing industries, foundries and downstream users of nickel-bearing materials. |
| Mandatory Compliance | Ferronickel covered under the QCO must conform to IS 4409:2023, carry the applicable BIS Standard Mark under licence, and comply with prescribed Test Certificate requirements. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Verify product classification under HS Code 72026000; assess conformity with IS 4409:2023; initiate BIS certification and testing; prepare technical documentation; and ensure production and supply-chain processes are aligned with QCO requirements before the final enforcement date. |
| Legal Framework & Enforcement | The QCO is issued under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. BIS is the certification and enforcement authority for the covered products. |
| Penalties | Violation of the QCO is punishable under Section 29 of the BIS Act, 2016. |
| Conclusion | Ferronickel under HS Code 72026000 is regulated under IS 4409:2023, with the final enforcement date of 20 November 2028. Stakeholders should complete BIS compliance preparations well in advance. |
| References/Annexures | Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024; Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025 – S.O. 5134(E); Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026; IS 4409:2023. |
Notification
Ferronickel is covered under the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024, with IS 4409:2023 – Specification for Ferronickel as the applicable Indian Standard. The product is classified under HS Code 72026000.
Enforcement Timeline
The final enforcement date for Ferronickel under IS 4409:2023 is 20 November 2028. The 2025 amendment deferred the applicable enforcement requirement for three years from its publication. The subsequent 2026 amendment does not further alter the requirement applicable to this product.
Overview
The QCO requires specified steel and steel products to conform to their corresponding Indian Standards from the applicable enforcement date. Ferronickel covered under IS 4409:2023 is therefore subject to the prescribed BIS conformity requirements.
Objective & Scope
The objective is to ensure that Ferronickel supplied in the Indian market meets the quality and technical requirements specified under IS 4409:2023. The requirement applies to Ferronickel falling under HS Code 72026000.
Products Covered
The product specifically covered is Ferronickel – Specification for Ferronickel, conforming to IS 4409:2023 and falling under HS Code 72026000.
Exemptions Provided
The QCO generally does not apply to steel and steel products manufactured domestically for export where the products conform to another specification required by the foreign buyer, subject to the conditions prescribed under the Order.
Industries Impacted
The requirement impacts Ferronickel manufacturers, importers, ferro-alloy producers, stainless steel manufacturers, metal processors, foundries and downstream industries using Ferronickel as a raw material.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
Covered Ferronickel must conform to IS 4409:2023. The QCO also requires applicable covered products to bear the BIS Standard Mark under licence, with each consignment accompanied by the prescribed Test Certificate issued by a BIS-certified manufacturer.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
Manufacturers and importers should verify HS classification, review their product against IS 4409:2023, conduct the required testing, obtain applicable BIS certification, establish proper documentation and prepare their supply chain for compliance before 20 November 2028.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The QCO is issued under the BIS Act, 2016, and BIS acts as the certification and enforcement authority. Any violation of the Order is subject to penalty under Section 29 of the BIS Act, 2016.
Conclusion
Ferronickel classified under HS Code 72026000 is subject to IS 4409:2023, with a final enforcement date of 20 November 2028. Businesses dealing with this product should begin BIS certification and conformity preparations early to ensure uninterrupted compliance and market access.
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