Steel and Iron Products
Stainless Steel Bars and Flats
Strategic Recommendations for Stainless Steel Bars and Flats – IS 6603:2001
- Begin BIS Certification Immediately
Compliance with IS 6603:2001 is mandatory with immediate effect from 30th August 2024; all manufacturers and importers must apply for BIS certification without delay. - Consult ERA Compliance Experts
Partner with ERA’s compliance team for end-to-end support in BIS applications, testing, ISI marking, and audit preparedness. - Reach Out for Support
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp – Assistance for QCO filings, test certification, and inspection readiness. - Track QCO Updates & Subscribe ERA Newsletter
Subscribe to the ERA Newsletter for real-time updates on Government Gazette notifications, BIS amendments, and compliance timelines for stainless steel bars and flats. - Ensure Marking & Documentation
Every consignment must carry the ISI Mark with licence number and a valid BIS Test Certificate; non-conforming material must be scrapped as per BIS Act provisions.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Stainless Steel Bars and Flats |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 6603:2001 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Stainless Steel Bars and Flats – Specification |
| ITC (HS) Code | 72221111, 72221112, 72221119, 72221191, 72221192, 72221199, 72221911, 72221912, 72221919, 72221991, 72221992, 72221999, 72222011, 72222012, 72222019, 72222091, 72222092, 72222099, 72223011, 72223012, 72223019, 72223091, 72223092, 72223099 |
| 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 high-quality stainless steel bars and flats for structural, engineering, and industrial use, enhancing safety, durability, and reliability. |
| Products Covered | All stainless steel bars and flats as specified under IS 6603:2001. |
| Exemptions | Products manufactured domestically solely for export and conforming to foreign buyer specifications are exempt. |
| Industries Impacted | - Construction & Infrastructure - Engineering & Fabrication - Automotive - Industrial Equipment Manufacturing - Oil & Gas / Power Plants |
| Mandatory Compliance | - Products must carry the ISI Standard Mark under a BIS licence. - Each consignment must be accompanied by a BIS Test Certificate. - Non-conforming material must be disposed of as scrap under BIS Act provisions. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | - Apply for BIS certification under Scheme–I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. - Align production/testing with IS 6603:2001. - Ensure stamping and BIS certification on all consignments before sale. |
| 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 IS 6603:2001 is mandatory with immediate effect for all stainless steel bars and flats. |
| 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 Stainless Steel Bars and Flats, classified under ITC (HS) Codes 72221111, 72221112, 72221119, 72221191, 72221192, 72221199, 72221911, 72221912, 72221919, 72221991, 72221992, 72221999, 72222011, 72222012, 72222019, 72222091, 72222092, 72222099, 72223011, 72223012, 72223019, 72223091, 72223092, and 72223099, has been brought under mandatory quality certification through the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024. This was notified via S.O. 3716(E), dated 29th August 2024, by the Ministry of Steel, superseding the earlier QCO 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 makes it compulsory for stainless steel bars and flats to conform to IS 6603:2001, ensuring consistent quality and strength. This move protects infrastructure, engineering projects, and end-users from risks posed by substandard steel.
Objective & Scope
The primary objective is to eliminate poor-quality stainless steel bars and flats from the market and enforce uniform BIS-certified standards across domestic production and imports.
Products Covered
All categories of stainless steel bars and flats specified under IS 6603:2001 are covered.
Exemptions Provided
Steel manufactured only for export and conforming to foreign buyer specifications are exempt.
Industries Impacted
The order affects construction, automotive, fabrication, power plants, oil & gas, and engineering sectors, which widely use stainless steel bars and flats.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
- Products must bear the ISI Mark under a valid BIS licence.
- Each consignment must include a BIS Test Certificate.
- Non-conforming material must be disposed of as scrap to avoid misuse.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Manufacturers & Importers: Apply for a BIS licence under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
- Testing & Production: Align production and in-house testing with IS 6603:2001 requirements.
- Supply Chain Compliance: Ensure BIS stamping and certification accompany each consignment.
- Export Units: Verify exemption applicability if manufacturing exclusively for export.
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
Effective immediately, BIS certification is mandatory for stainless steel bars and flats under IS 6603:2001. Manufacturers and importers must align with the order to avoid penalties and ensure smooth domestic and international market operations.
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.