Bolts, Nuts and Fasteners
High Strength Structural Bolts
Strategic Recommendations for High Strength Structural Bolts (IS 3757:1985)
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS certification and initiate testing of structural bolts under IS 3757:1985 in BIS-approved labs before deadlines. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Work with BIS/QCO specialists (ERA Compliance team) for license application, ISI mark labelling, and exemption declarations. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp — Support with filing, testing coordination, and phased import substitution compliance. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to the ERA Newsletter for real-time updates on QCO 2024 and BIS circulars. - Do a Gap Assessment
Identify all SKUs of structural bolts, verify conformity with IS 3757:1985, update packaging/marking for ISI compliance, and declare non-marked stock within 3 months of commencement.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | High Strength Structural Bolts |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 3757:1985. |
| Title of Indian Standard | High Strength Structural Bolts. |
| 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 reliability, safety, and durability of high-strength structural bolts used in heavy-duty structural connections, by mandating BIS certification under IS 3757:1985. |
| Products Covered | High strength hexagon head structural bolts for use in steel structures. |
| 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 | Construction & Infrastructure, Bridges & Steel Structures, Power & Transmission Towers, 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 high strength structural bolts (IS 3757:1985). The 2024 QCO replaces the 2023 Order, with staggered enforcement deadlines for 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
High Strength Structural Bolts (IS 3757:1985) 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. The 2024 Order superseded the earlier QCO of 2023 and mandates BIS certification for structural bolts used in load-bearing applications.
Enforcement Timeline
- Large and Medium Enterprises: 1 August 2024
- Small Enterprises: 1 November 2024
- Micro Enterprises: 1 February 2025
Overview
High strength structural bolts are specialized fasteners designed for use in steel structures, bridges, buildings, transmission towers, and heavy engineering applications. They provide high tensile and shear strength, ensuring structural integrity in safety-critical assemblies. IS 3757:1985 specifies the technical requirements, dimensional standards, and performance criteria for such bolts, ensuring they meet stringent safety and reliability standards.
Objective & Scope
The purpose of IS 3757:1985 is to standardize the quality, strength, and dimensional accuracy of high strength structural bolts. The scope covers specifications for raw materials, heat treatment, mechanical properties (tensile strength, proof load, impact resistance), surface coatings for corrosion protection, and testing methods. The standard ensures interchangeability and reliability in high-stress structural applications.
Products Covered
This standard applies to High Strength Structural Bolts used in steel structures, bridges, towers, heavy machinery, and critical infrastructure projects. These bolts are generally made from high tensile alloy steels and are used with matching high strength nuts and hardened washers for secure structural joints.
Exemptions Provided
The 2024 QCO provides the following exemptions:
- Bolts manufactured domestically solely for export.
- Bolts imported as part of a finished good, sub-assembly, or component.
- Products manufactured by micro-enterprises registered on the Udyam Portal, with plant & machinery investment ≤ ₹25 lakhs and turnover ≤ ₹2 crores.
- A 3-year exemption for manufacturers importing bolts for export-oriented manufacturing.
- Imports of up to 200 kg annually allowed for research and development purposes.
- Up to 5% of the 2023–24 import value permitted for spares and after-sales service.
Industries Impacted
- Fastener Manufacturers – required to comply with BIS certification.
- Construction & Infrastructure – bridges, buildings, and steel frameworks require certified bolts for safety.
- Power Transmission & Heavy Engineering – depend on structural bolts for tower and machinery assembly.
- Transport & Rail Infrastructure – use high strength bolts in tracks, bridges, and rolling stock.
- Importers & Exporters – subject to compliance rules with limited exemptions.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
- All high strength bolts under IS 3757:1985 must bear the ISI mark.
- Certification is mandatory under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
- Testing and quality control must be conducted through BIS-recognized laboratories.
- Packaging and labeling must clearly display the ISI mark before sale or installation.
Next Steps for Stakeholders​
- Manufacturers: Apply for BIS certification, upgrade manufacturing and testing processes, and ensure ISI-marked packaging.
- Importers: Align with exemption rules, maintain compliance records, and declare old stock as required.
- Construction & EPC Contractors: Update procurement policies to only source BIS-certified high strength bolts.
- Industry Associations: Provide guidance and compliance support for SMEs.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
Compliance is governed under the BIS Act, 2016, with BIS as the certification and enforcement authority.
Non-compliance can lead to seizure of products, fines, suspension of licenses, and imprisonment up to two years, or both.
Conclusion
From 1 August 2024 (with staggered deadlines for SMEs), High Strength Structural Bolts (IS 3757:1985) must comply with BIS certification and carry the ISI mark. The 2024 QCO enforces stringent quality requirements for fasteners used in critical structural applications, enhancing safety and durability in India’s infrastructure sector. Timely compliance is essential for uninterrupted project execution and legal adherence.
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.