Steel and Iron Products
Tool Steels
Strategic Recommendations for Tool Steels – IS 3748:2022
Start BIS Certification Immediately
Initiate BIS certification planning well before 20 November 2026 to ensure timely compliance with IS 3748:2022 when the QCO requirement becomes operative.
- Engage ERA Compliance Experts ERA provides end-to-end assistance including BIS application filing, product testing coordination, documentation, factory inspection readiness and certification support for IS 3748:2022.
- Reach Out for Support
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp –Get expert guidance on BIS certification, testing, inspections and QCO compliance.
- Track QCO Updates
Subscribe to the ERA Newsletter to stay informed about Gazette notifications, amendments, enforcement changes and BIS updates affecting IS 3748:2022.
Ensure ISI Marking & Test Certification
Ensure conformity with IS 3748:2022, the required BIS Standard Mark, and the prescribed Test Certificate requirements once the QCO requirement becomes operative.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Tool Steels |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 3748:2022 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Tool Steels – Specification |
| Quality Control Order | Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024 |
| Notification & Amendments | S.O. 3716(E), dated 29 August 2024, issued under the BIS Act, 2016. The Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025 – S.O. 5134(E), dated 20 November 2025 deferred enforcement of IS 3748:2022 for one year from publication. |
| Final Enforcement Date | 20 November 2026 |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure that Tool Steels covered by IS 3748:2022 conform to the prescribed Indian Standard and applicable BIS quality and conformity requirements. |
| Products Covered | Tool Steels covered under IS 3748:2022 – Tool Steels – Specification, falling under the HS codes specifically associated with this standard in the QCO. |
| Applicable HS Codes / 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. |
| Exemptions | The QCO does not apply to steel and steel products manufactured domestically for export and conforming to another specification required by the foreign buyer, subject to the conditions of the Order. |
| Industries Impacted | Tool steel manufacturers, alloy steel producers, forging and engineering industries, automotive component manufacturers, machinery and equipment manufacturers, tool and die manufacturers, and other downstream engineering sectors. |
| Mandatory Compliance | Products covered by the QCO must conform to IS 3748:2022, bear the BIS Standard Mark under a BIS licence, and comply with the applicable Test Certificate requirements. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Verify product classification and HS codes, assess conformity with IS 3748:2022, initiate BIS certification and testing, prepare technical documentation, establish quality controls, and complete compliance preparations before 20 November 2026. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | The QCO is issued under Sections 16, 17 and 25(3) of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. BIS is the certifying and enforcing authority. |
| Penalties | Contravention of the QCO is punishable under Section 29 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. |
| Conclusion | Tool Steels covered under IS 3748:2022 are subject to mandatory BIS/QCO compliance, with enforcement becoming applicable from 20 November 2026. Stakeholders should complete certification and conformity preparations before this date. |
| References/Annexures | Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024; Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025; Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026; IS 3748:2022. |
Notification
Tool Steels are covered under the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024, with IS 3748:2022 – Tool Steels – Specification as the applicable Indian Standard. The 2024 QCO specifies the relevant HS classifications for products covered by this standard.
Enforcement Timeline
The original QCO prescribed implementation with immediate effect. However, the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025, S.O. 5134(E), dated 20 November 2025, deferred enforcement of the applicable requirement for IS 3748:2022 for one year from the date of publication. Accordingly, the final enforcement date is 20 November 2026.
Overview
IS 3748:2022 prescribes the specification applicable to Tool Steels. The QCO makes conformity with the applicable Indian Standard mandatory from the prescribed enforcement date.
Objective & Scope
The requirement is intended to ensure that Tool Steels supplied in the Indian market meet the applicable Indian Standard and prescribed quality requirements. The QCO specifically links IS 3748:2022 with the listed HS classifications.
Products Covered
The product covered is Tool Steels – Specification, conforming to IS 3748:2022. The QCO expressly lists 24 HS codes against this standard, covering the relevant steel product classifications.
Exemptions Provided
The QCO provides an exemption for steel and steel products manufactured domestically for export where the products conform to another specification required by the foreign buyer, subject to the applicable conditions.
Industries Impacted
The requirement impacts Tool Steel manufacturers, alloy steel producers, forging industries, engineering companies, automotive component manufacturers, machinery manufacturers, tool and die manufacturers and other downstream engineering industries.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
Covered Tool Steels must conform to IS 3748:2022. The QCO requires specified steel products to bear the Standard Mark under a BIS licence, with applicable Test Certificate requirements accompanying consignments.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
Manufacturers and other stakeholders should verify whether their products fall under the specified HS codes, assess conformity with IS 3748:2022, initiate BIS certification and testing, prepare required technical documentation and quality-control systems, and complete compliance preparations before 20 November 2026.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The QCO has been issued under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. BIS is the certifying and enforcing authority for the products covered by the Order. Any contravention of the QCO is punishable under Section 29 of the BIS Act, 2016.
Conclusion
Tool Steels covered under IS 3748:2022 will be subject to mandatory BIS/QCO compliance from 20 November 2026. Manufacturers, importers and other concerned stakeholders should complete product classification, testing, BIS certification and documentation well before the enforcement date
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.