Steel and Iron Products
Mild Steel for Metal Arc Welding Electrodes
Strategic Recommendations for High Strength Deformed Steel Bars & Wires – IS 1786:2008
- Start BIS Certification Immediately
Apply for BIS certification under IS 2879:1998 without delay, as enforcement is already in effect. - Engage ERA Compliance Experts
ERA’s team will assist with applications, testing, ISI marking, and audit readiness for hassle-free certification. - Reach Out for Support
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp – Support for filing, inspection readiness, and compliance clarifications. - Track QCO Updates & Subscribe ERA Newsletter
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for real-time updates on Government Gazette, QCO amendments, and compliance deadlines. - Ensure ISI Marking & Test Certification
Every consignment must bear the ISI mark and be accompanied by a BIS Test Certificate before sale or import.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Mild Steel for Metal Arc Welding Electrodes |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 2879:1998 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Specification for Mild Steel for Metal Arc Welding Electrodes |
| ITC (HS) Code | 72132010, 72132090, 72139110, 72139190, 72139910, 72139990, 72179092, 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, consistency, and reliability of mild steel used in the manufacture of metal arc welding electrodes. |
| Products Covered | Mild steel wires and rods used as input material for the production of metal arc welding electrodes. |
| Exemptions | Products manufactured domestically only for export and conforming to buyer-specified foreign standards are exempt. |
| Industries Impacted | - Welding Electrode Manufacturing - Fabrication & Engineering - Construction & Infrastructure - Automotive & Heavy Machinery - EPC Contractors |
| Mandatory Compliance | - Products must bear the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a BIS license. - Each consignment must be accompanied by a BIS Test Certificate. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | - Apply for BIS certification under Scheme-I. - Align production with IS 2879:1998. - Maintain quality control 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 2879:1998 will automatically apply. |
| Conclusion | Compliance with BIS certification is mandatory for all domestic manufacturers and importers of mild steel for welding electrodes to ensure safety, quality, and reliability in fabrication and construction. |
| References/Annexures | Gazette Notification S.O. 3716(E), dated 29th August 2024; Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024; BIS Act, 2016 |
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Notification
The product Mild Steel for Metal Arc Welding Electrodes, classified under ITC (HS) codes 72132010, 72132090, 72139110, 72139190, 72139910, 72139990, 72179092, and 72179099, 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 2879:1998 for mild steel used in the manufacture of metal arc welding electrodes to ensure consistent quality, weldability, and reliability in fabrication and construction. The classification under ITC HS codes facilitates customs enforcement and trade compliance.
Objective & Scope
The order seeks to eliminate substandard mild steel inputs from the domestic market and protect industries such as welding, fabrication, and construction by enforcing BIS-certified production.
Products Covered
This applies specifically to mild steel wires and rods used in the manufacture of metal arc welding electrodes.
Exemptions Provided
Products manufactured solely for export, conforming to foreign buyer specifications, are exempt.
Industries Impacted
- Welding Electrode Manufacturing
- Fabrication & Engineering
- Construction & Infrastructure
- Automotive & Heavy Machinery
- EPC Contractors
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
- Every consignment must carry the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid BIS license.
- Compliance with IS 2879:1998 is compulsory.
- Each consignment must include a BIS Test Certificate.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Apply for BIS certification under Scheme-I without delay.
- Align production with IS 2879:1998.
- 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, which include:
- 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 2879:1998 and the listed ITC (HS) codes is mandatory with immediate effect. Stakeholders must obtain BIS certification, follow marking requirements, and align manufacturing practices to avoid penalties and safeguard 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.