Steel and Iron Products
Stress-Relieved, Low Relaxation Steel Wire for Pre-stressed Concrete
Strategic Recommendations for Stress-Relieved, Low Relaxation Steel Wire for Pre-stressed Concrete IS 16644:2018
- Start BIS Certification Immediately
Apply for BIS certification under IS 16644:2018 without delay, as enforcement is already in effect. - Engage ERA Compliance Experts
ERA’s team can guide with applications, testing, ISI marking, and audit readiness for seamless compliance. - Reach Out for Support
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp – Assistance with certification, inspections, and compliance queries. - Track QCO Updates & Subscribe ERA Newsletter
Subscribe to the ERA Newsletter for updates on Government Gazette notifications, amendments to the Steel and Steel Products QCO, and BIS compliance deadlines. - Ensure ISI Marking & Test Certification
All consignments must carry the ISI mark and a valid BIS Test Certificate before sale or use in India. Non-conforming material must be scrapped per BIS Act provisions.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Stress-Relieved, Low Relaxation Steel Wire for Pre-stressed Concrete |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No | IS 16644:2018 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Stress-Relieved, Low Relaxation Steel Wire for Pre-stressed Concrete — Specification |
| ITC (HS) Code | 72171010, 72171020, 72171030, 72172010, 72172020, 72172030, 72173010, 72173020, 72173030, 72179011, 72179012, 72179013, 72179019, 72179091, 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 high tensile strength, low relaxation, durability, and quality of steel wires used in pre-stressed concrete applications. |
| Products Covered | High-strength, stress-relieved, low relaxation steel wires intended for pre-stressed concrete structures in construction and civil engineering. |
| Exemptions | Products manufactured domestically solely for export and conforming to foreign buyer specifications are exempt. |
| Industries Impacted | - Pre-stressed Concrete Manufacturing- Construction & Infrastructure- Civil Engineering Projects- EPC Contractors- Bridge and Flyover Contractors |
| Mandatory Compliance | - Products must bear the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid BIS license.- Each consignment must be accompanied by a BIS Test Certificate.- Non-conforming material must be scrapped as per BIS Act provisions. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | - Apply for BIS certification under Scheme-I.- Align production with IS 16644:2018 requirements.- Maintain quality documentation for inspections.- 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 earlier QCO (S.O. 574(E), dated 5th February 2024). Any future BIS amendments to IS 16644:2018 will automatically apply. |
| Conclusion | Compliance with BIS certification is mandatory for all domestic manufacturers and importers of stress-relieved, low relaxation steel wire to ensure safety, durability, and reliability in pre-stressed concrete applications. |
| References/Annexures | Gazette Notification S.O. 3716(E), dated 29th August 2024; Steel and Steel Products (QCO), 2024; BIS Act, 2016 |
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Notification
 The product Stress-Relieved, Low Relaxation Steel Wire for Pre-stressed Concrete, classified under ITC (HS) codes 72171010, 72171020, 72171030, 72172010, 72172020, 72172030, 72173010, 72173020, 72173030, 72179011, 72179012, 72179013, 72179019, 72179091, 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 16644:2018 for stress-relieved, low relaxation steel wires used in pre-stressed concrete applications. This ensures high tensile strength, minimal relaxation under load, durability, and compliance with construction standards. Classification under ITC HS codes facilitates customs enforcement and trade compliance.
Objective & Scope
 The order aims to eliminate substandard steel wire from the domestic market and protect the quality of pre-stressed concrete structures, bridges, flyovers, and civil engineering projects by enforcing BIS-certified production.
Products Covered
 Applies specifically to high-strength, stress-relieved, low relaxation steel wires intended for pre-stressed concrete in civil and infrastructure projects.
Exemptions Provided
 Products manufactured solely for export, conforming to foreign buyer specifications, are exempt.
Industries Impacted
- Pre-stressed Concrete Manufacturing
- Construction & Infrastructure
- Civil Engineering Projects
- EPC Contractors
- Bridge and Flyover Contractors
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
- Every consignment must carry the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid BIS license.
- Compliance with IS 16644:2018 is compulsory.
- Each consignment must include a BIS Test Certificate.
- Non-conforming material must be scrapped in compliance with BIS Act provisions.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Apply for BIS certification under Scheme-I immediately.
- Align production and quality systems with IS 16644:2018.
- 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 16644:2018 and the listed ITC (HS) codes is mandatory with immediate effect. Stakeholders must obtain BIS certification, ensure ISI marking, follow testing requirements, and align production practices to avoid penalties and secure 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.