Steel and Iron Products
Tool Steels
Strategic Recommendations for Tool Steels – IS 3748:2022
- Begin BIS Certification Immediately
Compliance with IS 3748:2022 is mandatory with immediate effect from 30th August 2024. Manufacturers and importers must apply for BIS certification without delay. - Consult ERA Compliance Experts
Partner with ERA’s compliance team for guidance on BIS applications, testing, ISI marking, and audit readiness. - Reach Out for Support
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp – Assistance for QCO filings, test certification, and inspection readiness. - Track QCO Updates & Subscribe to ERA Newsletter
Subscribe to the ERA Newsletter for real-time updates on Government Gazette notifications, BIS amendments, and compliance timelines for tool steels. -  Ensure Marking & Documentation
Every consignment must carry the ISI Mark with licence number and a valid BIS Test Certificate. Non-conforming material must be disposed of as scrap as per BIS Act provisions. 
															| Section | Details | 
|---|---|
| Product Name | Tool Steels | 
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 3748:2022 | 
| Title of Indian Standard | Tool Steels – Specification | 
| ITC (HS) Code | 72141090, 72149190, 72149990, 72155090, 72159090, 72241000, 72249010, 72249030, 72259900, 72262011, 72262012, 72262021, 72262022, 72262030, 72271000, 72272000, 72284000, 72285090, 72286011, 72286012, 72286094, 72286099, 72287011, 72287012, 72249040, 72249091, 72249099, 72253090, 72255010, 72255020, 72255030, 72279090, 72281010, 72281090, 72283011, 72283019, 72283024, 72283029, 72287021, 72287022, 72288010, 72288020, 72288090 | 
| 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 tool steels for industrial, automotive, and engineering applications, enhancing performance, precision, and durability. | 
| Products Covered | All tool steels as specified under IS 3748:2022. | 
| Exemptions | Products manufactured solely for export and conforming to foreign buyer specifications. | 
| Industries Impacted | - Tool & Die Manufacturing- Automotive & Engineering- Industrial Machinery- Construction- Energy / Power Plants | 
| Mandatory Compliance | - Products must bear the ISI Standard Mark under a valid BIS licence.- Each consignment must be accompanied by a BIS Test Certificate.- Non-conforming material must be disposed of as scrap. | 
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | - Apply for BIS certification under Scheme–I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.- Align production/testing with IS 3748:2022.- Ensure stamping and BIS certification on all consignments before sale.- Verify exemptions for products manufactured exclusively for export. | 
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | 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 3748:2022 is mandatory with immediate effect for all tool steels. | 
| References/Annexures | Gazette Notification S.O. 3716(E), dated 29th August 2024; Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024; BIS Act, 2016. | 
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Notification
The product Tool Steels, classified under ITC (HS) Codes 72141090, 72149190, 72149990, 72155090, 72159090, 72241000, 72249010, 72249030, 72259900, 72262011, 72262012, 72262021, 72262022, 72262030, 72271000, 72272000, 72284000, 72285090, 72286011, 72286012, 72286094, 72286099, 72287011, 72287012, 72249040, 72249091, 72249099, 72253090, 72255010, 72255020, 72255030, 72279090, 72281010, 72281090, 72283011, 72283019, 72283024, 72283029, 72287021, 72287022, 72288010, 72288020, 72288090, has been brought under mandatory quality certification through the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024, notified via S.O. 3716(E), dated 29th August 2024, superseding 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
This order makes it mandatory for all tool steels to conform to IS 3748:2022, ensuring high strength, precision, and uniform quality for critical applications in engineering, automotive, and industrial sectors.
Objective & Scope
The primary objective is to eliminate substandard tool steels from the market and ensure all products meet BIS-certified standards for safety, durability, and performance.
Products Covered
All categories of tool steels as per IS 3748:2022.
Exemptions Provided
Tool steels manufactured solely for export and conforming to foreign buyer specifications are exempt.
Industries Impacted
- Tool & Die Manufacturing
 - Automotive & Engineering
 - Industrial Machinery
 - Construction
 - Energy / Power Plants
 
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
- Products must carry 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.
 
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Manufacturers & Importers: Apply immediately for BIS certification under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
 - Testing & Production: Align production and testing processes with IS 3748:2022.
 - Supply Chain Compliance: Ensure ISI marking and BIS Test Certificate accompany all consignments before sale.
 - Export Units: Verify exemption applicability for products manufactured 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
BIS certification is mandatory immediately for all tool steels under IS 3748:2022. Compliance ensures legal conformity and market readiness.
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.
