Steel and Iron Products
Hot-Dip Galvanized / Galvannealed Steel Sheet and Strips for Automotive Applications
Strategic Recommendations for Hot-Dip Galvanized / Galvannealed Steel Sheet and Strips for Automotive Applications IS 18385:2023
- Start BIS Certification Immediately
Apply for BIS certification under IS 18385:2023 without delay, as enforcement is effective 6 months from notification (29th February 2025). - Engage ERA Compliance Experts
ERA’s team can assist with applications, product testing, ISI marking, and audit readiness for smooth and compliant certification. - Reach Out for Support
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp – Guidance on filing, inspection readiness, and compliance clarifications. - Track QCO Updates & Subscribe ERA Newsletter
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for updates on Government Gazette notifications, Steel Products QCO amendments, and BIS compliance deadlines. - Ensure ISI Marking & Test Certification
Every consignment must bear the ISI mark and a valid BIS Test Certificate before sale or import. Non-conforming materials must be scrapped in line with BIS Act provisions.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Hot-Dip Galvanized / Galvannealed Steel Sheet and Strips for Automotive Applications |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No | IS 18385:2023 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Hot-Dip Galvanized / Galvannealed Steel Sheet and Strips for Automotive Applications – Specification |
| ITC (HS) Code | 72104910, 72104990, 72109090, 72123090, 72123091, 72123099, 72125090, 72259210, 72259290, 72259990, 72269971, 72269973, 72269979, 72269990 |
| 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 | 6 months from the date of notification (i.e., 29th February 2025) |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure quality, coating adherence, corrosion resistance, and mechanical performance of hot-dip galvanized/galvannealed steel sheets and strips used in automotive applications. |
| Products Covered | Hot-dip galvanized and galvannealed steel sheets and strips for automotive body panels, structural components, and other vehicle applications. |
| Exemptions | Products manufactured domestically exclusively for export and conforming to buyer-specified foreign standards. |
| Industries Impacted | - Automotive Manufacturing (Passenger & Commercial Vehicles)- Auto Component Manufacturers- Engineering & Fabrication- EPC Contractors using automotive steel parts |
| 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 provisions. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | - Apply for BIS certification under IS 18385:2023.- Align production and QA processes to meet IS 18385:2023.- Maintain all quality control documentation.- Ensure ISI marking before sale or use 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 S.O. 574(E), dated 5th February 2024. Future BIS amendments to IS 18385:2023 will automatically apply. |
| Conclusion | Compliance with BIS certification under IS 18385:2023 is mandatory for domestic manufacturers and importers of galvanized/galvannealed steel sheets and strips for automotive use to ensure safety, quality, and reliability. |
| 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 Hot-Dip Galvanized / Galvannealed Steel Sheet and Strips for Automotive Applications, classified under ITC (HS) codes 72104910, 72104990, 72109090, 72123090, 72123091, 72123099, 72125090, 72259210, 72259290, 72259990, 72269971, 72269973, 72269979, and 72269990, 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: 29th February 2025 (6 months from notification)
- Enforcement: Mandatory from the effective date
Overview
 The regulation mandates adherence to IS 18385:2023 for hot-dip galvanized and galvannealed steel sheets and strips intended for automotive applications. This ensures coating adherence, corrosion resistance, mechanical performance, and overall reliability of automotive components. Classification under specific ITC (HS) codes facilitates customs control and trade compliance.
Objective & Scope
 The order aims to eliminate substandard galvanized and galvannealed steel from the domestic market, protect automotive and engineering industries, and ensure only BIS-certified products are used in vehicle manufacturing.
Products Covered
 This includes hot-dip galvanized and galvannealed steel sheets and strips for automotive body panels, structural components, and other vehicle parts.
Exemptions Provided
 Products manufactured exclusively for export that conform to buyer-specified foreign standards are exempt.
Industries Impacted
- Automotive Manufacturing (Passenger & Commercial Vehicles)
- Auto Component Manufacturers
- Engineering & Fabrication
- EPC Contractors using automotive steel parts
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
- Each consignment must carry the ISI mark under a valid BIS license.
- Compliance with IS 18385:2023 is compulsory.
- Each consignment must include 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 immediately.
- Align production and quality systems with IS 18385:2023.
- Maintain rigorous in-house testing and quality control.
- Ensure marking and certification before distribution or sale in India.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
 The order is issued under Sections 16, 17, and 25(3) of the BIS Act, 2016, with BIS as the certifying and enforcing authority. Penalties for non-compliance under Section 29 include:
- Imprisonment up to 2 years, or
- Fine not less than ₹2 lakh, extendable up to 10 times the value of goods, or both.
- Continuing offences may result in an additional fine of ₹5,000 per day.
Conclusion
 Compliance with IS 18385:2023 and the listed ITC (HS) codes is mandatory. Stakeholders must obtain BIS certification, ensure ISI marking, and align manufacturing practices to avoid penalties and ensure high-quality automotive steel components.
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.