Steel and Iron Products
Steel Tubes for Structural Purposes
Strategic Recommendations for Steel Tubes for Structural Purposes – IS 1161:2014:
- Start BIS Certification Immediately
Apply for BIS certification under IS 1161:2014 without delay to meet compliance obligations under the QCO. - Engage ERA Compliance Experts
ERA’s technical experts assist with applications, testing, documentation, ISI marking, and audit readiness for hassle-free certification. - Reach Out for Support
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp: Expert assistance for BIS certification, inspections, and technical documentation. - Ensure ISI Marking & Test Certification
All tubes must bear the ISI mark and hold a valid BIS Test Certificate before sale, supply, or distribution in India. Non-compliant material must be scrapped per BIS provisions. - Track QCO Updates & Subscribe ERA Newsletter
Subscribe to the ERA Newsletter for Gazette updates, amendment alerts, and BIS compliance timelines related to steel and structural products.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Steel Tubes for Structural Purposes |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No | IS 1161:2014 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Steel Tubes for Structural Purposes – Specification |
| Quality Control Order | Steel Tubes (Quality Control) Order, 2020. |
| Notification & Amendments | • Original QCO: S.O. 281(E), dated 21st January 2020 • Supersedes: G.S.R. 374(E), dated 18th July 1978 (Mild Steel Tubes QCO, 1978). |
| Final Enforcement Date | 1 August 2020 |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure structural steel tubes used in construction, engineering, and infrastructure meet Indian quality standards for safety, load-bearing capacity, and dimensional accuracy. |
| Products Covered | Welded and seamless structural steel tubes and hollow sections used in engineering structures, frames, supports, and mechanical assemblies. |
| Exemptions | • Seamless tubes and tubes conforming to API specifications • Products manufactured exclusively for export |
| Industries Impacted | • Construction and infrastructure • Steel fabrication • Engineering and civil works • Equipment manufacturing and scaffolding suppliers |
| Mandatory Compliance | Every manufacturer must obtain a BIS licence under Scheme-I (ISI Marking) and affix the Standard Mark (ISI logo) on each tube confirming to IS 1161:2014. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS licence, conduct testing in BIS-recognized labs, update marking procedures, and maintain conformity as per BIS norms. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Enforced under Section 16(1) & (2) read with Section 25(3) of the BIS Act, 2016. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the certifying and enforcing 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. |
| Conclusion | From 1 August 2020, all steel tubes for structural purposes must comply with IS 1161:2014 and bear the ISI mark to be sold or distributed in India. |
| References/Annexures | Gazette Notification S.O. 281(E), dated 21.01.2020 (Steel Tubes QCO, 2020). |
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
Steel Tubes for Structural Purposes (IS 1161:2014) are covered under the Steel Tubes (Quality Control) Order, 2020, notified vide S.O. 281(E) dated 21st January 2020 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade). This Order superseded the previous QCO for mild steel tubes notified via G.S.R. 374(E) on 18th July 1978
Enforcement Timeline
The enforcement date is 1st August 2020, after which sale or distribution of non-ISI-marked steel tubes for structural use within India is prohibited.
Overview
The QCO aims to ensure structural steel tubes used in various load-bearing and engineering applications conform to standardized specifications, enhancing safety, quality, and uniformity across industries.
Objective & Scope
The Order mandates the use of BIS-certified steel tubes for all structural applications to maintain consistent mechanical properties, tensile strength, and corrosion resistance in civil and industrial structures.
Products Covered
All welded or seamless structural steel tubes and tubular sections used in construction, infrastructure, or mechanical structures are included under IS 1161:2014.
Exemptions Provided
This regulation does not apply to export-oriented products or tubes specifically manufactured for foreign standards.
Industries Impacted
- Construction and infrastructure developers.
- Steel fabricators and pre-engineered building manufacturers.
- Scaffolding and staging suppliers.
- Civil engineering and public works contractors.
- OEMs using structural tubing in machinery or frame designs.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
All manufacturers and importers of steel tubes for structural purposes must:
- Obtain BIS certification under IS 1161:2014.
- Affix the ISI Mark on every certified product.
- Follow Scheme-I of Schedule-II under the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
- Maintain compliance with the latest notified version of IS 1161, including any amendments issued by BIS.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- File BIS application under Scheme-I (ISI Marking).
- Conduct type testing at a BIS-recognized laboratory.
- Prepare compliance documentation and maintain test records.
- Ensure ISI mark before sale or dispatch.
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, which include:
- Imprisonment up to 2 years, or
- Fine of not less than ₹2 lakh (extendable up to 10× 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 1161:2014 is mandatory for all steel tubes for structural purposes manufactured, imported, or sold in India from 1st August 2020, ensuring safe and reliable structural steel quality nationwide.
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.