The growth of the infrastructure and construction industry is unprecedented in India. In recent years, structural steel tubes are used widely in various engineering fields such as metro engineering, industrial engineering, highway engineering, airport engineering and smart city engineering. They are tough, durable, corrosion-resistant and suitable for a variety of applications such as structural frameworks and heavy-duty construction projects.
Structural steel tubes are some of the steel products that have been certified as per the Indian Standards by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Producers who wish to manufacture and sell structural steel tubes legally in India should get the BIS certification for Structural Steel Tubes.
Manufacturers should have at least an overview of the current standards and regulations, how to obtain a certification, what documents are required, what the costs are, and other trends provided by BIS should be communicated to manufacturers. The BIS ISI certification in India for Indian Manufacturers of Structural steel tubes, UMSPCS, is an extensive document that details all the essentials for Indian Manufacturers of Structural steel tubes.
What is BIS Certification for Structural Steel Tubes IS 1161?
BIS certification, also called the Quality assurance certificate, is one of the certificates that is provided by the national standards authority, the Bureau of Indian Standards. The ISI marks would signify that the product meets the Indian standard in terms of quality and safety, and thus can be used in ISI-certified products.
For the tubes made of structural steel, the BIS certification guarantees that the product:
- Complies with mechanical and chemical properties
- Meets quality/safety issues as required
- Can follow standardised manufacturing processes
- Meets the infrastructure requirements in India
Products Covered Under BIS Certification for Steel Tubes
Various kinds of steel tubes and hollow sections are covered under the BIS compliance IS 1161.
These include:
- Welded Steel Tubes
- Seamless Steel Tubes
- Hollow Steel Sections
- Structural Steel Tubes, which are Galvanised
- Steel Tubes For Industrial Infrastructure
- And many more
UMSPCS also provides BIS certification assistance for 700+ products covered under various BIS schemes and Indian Standards.
Importance of BIS ISI Certification for Indian Manufacturers
By obtaining BIS ISI certification, Indian manufacturers can reap several benefits.
- Legal Authorization
- Increased Customer Trust
- The applicants should be eligible for the Government Projects.
- Better Market Reputation
- Improved Product Quality
- Competitive Advantage
Latest Industry Trends in BIS Certification for Structural Steel Tubes
The Indian steel industry is dynamic, which means in a state of change. Some of the major changes that are influencing the certification universe are listed below for IS 1161.
1. Increasing Demand from Infrastructure Projects
Government investment in:
- Metro rail projects
- Smart cities
- Industrial corridors
- Railway modernization
- Renewable energy projects
The need for certified structural steel tubes has greatly risen.
2. Stricter BIS Surveillance
The BIS authorities are carrying out:
- Increased number of factory inspections.
- Random sample testing
- Product quality inspections
To maintain compliance in an ongoing manner.
3. Automation in Manufacturing
Manufacturers are adopting:
- Automated welding systems
- Precision cutting technologies
- AI-based quality monitoring
Having the best compliance accuracy.
4. Focus on Sustainable Steel Production
A particular point of interest is sustainability in the environment. In the minds of steel producers, a trend of embracing the:
- Energy-efficient production
- Recyclable materials
- Low-carbon manufacturing processes
5. Growth in Export-Oriented Manufacturing
The Indian manufacturers are becoming internationally successful, and BIS-approved manufacturing systems ensure the availability of products in accordance with international standards.
BIS Certification Process for Structural Steel Tubes
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) conducts several tests and inspections to gauge the structural metal tubes’ suitability for use and later confers BIS Certification upon them. To obtain permission for use of the ISI mark, the manufacturers have to ensure that the product satisfies the relevant Indian Standards.
The process for BIS ISI Certification for Indian Manufacturers has been explained below:
Step 1: Standard Identification
The first thing to be done is to find out which Indian Standard (IS code) is applicable to the product. Structural steel tubes, in general, are covered by the standard IS 1161 – Steel Tubes for Structural Purposes – Specification.
In this stage, the manufacturers have to:
- Understand product technicals
- Make products as per BIS standards
- Introduce better or new production methods if necessary
- Implement Quality Control System as per BIS Guidelines
Step 2: Product Testing & Documentation
The product must be tested at a BIS-recognised and NABL-accredited laboratory.
During this stage:
- The products are tried with the samples according to the relevant Indian Standard
- Technical documents are prepared, and compliance records are made.
- Data in relation to manufacturing and factories is gathered
- The application forms of the BIS are filled out
When you’re getting ready to be certified, there’s nothing worse than having your paperwork marked up, so you should get it right.
Step 3: Application Submission
The mode of application is online, with all the required documents for BIS. Basically, an application will have:
- Application letter
- Prescribed BIS forms
- There was an appeal for the Greens Bay Area to declare and approve of this support.
Typically, the following documents will be required:
- Product test reports
- Competent information related to the Factory and production process
- Business registration documents
- Revenue on government fees for which there is an applicability definition
Once the Application is submitted to the BIS authority, it will be reviewed once more, and the data offered will be confirmed.
Step 4: BIS Factory Inspection
After the initial assessment of the documents, an Inspection Team from BIS will do a physical inspection of the manufacturing facility.
On inspection, BIS is looking at:
- Manufacturing process
- Production infrastructure
- Quality control systems
- In-house testing capabilities
- Raw material handling is the process of moving raw materials.
It is also possible to take samples of products onsite for independent testing and verification.
Step 5: Product Testing & Lab Report Submission
All the product samples collected are sent to approved laboratories, where the testing and analysis are carried out on all the product samples as per the relevant BIS standards.
Upon completion of tests:
- The Lab Test Report (LTR) is developed at the lab
- They directly submit the report to BIS for technical evaluation
The product will be certified when it has passed all the specified tests.
Step 6: Closure of Non-Conformities (If Any)
Based on the findings of inspection and/or product tests carried out by BIS, if it finds that the manufacturer has failed to comply with any requirement of this Standard, corrective measures will be taken by the manufacturer.
This may include:
- Taking the necessary corrective measures in the manufacturing process
- Resubmitting documents for renewal (One or multiple documents)
- Resolving quality-related observations
- Carrying out maintenance and upgrades for testing or quality systems as necessary
Any non-conformities that are found must be addressed before approval for certification.
Step 7: Payment of License & Marking Fees
If BIS is successful in passing the evaluation process, then the manufacturer is required to pay:
- Annual license fee
- ISI marking fee
Prices may vary with production quantities and products.
Step 8: Grant of ISI License
After the successful process of testing, inspection, documentation and fee payment, etc., from the manufacturer, BIS has granted an ISI license to the manufacturer.
Then the manufacturer can be given authorisation to:
- Where they are used in the industry, the ISI mark is used for certified products
- Provide and sell BIS-approved structural steel tubes for India
- Demonstrate compliance with the quality and safety standards in India
BIS conducts surveillance and compliance audits of the certification periodically to ensure the quality of the product.
Documents Required for BIS Certification
Several documents have to be submitted by the manufacturer to get their products certified as BIS ISI for Indian manufacturers.
- Usually, basic data from the manufacturing unit and the product segment is supported
- Document that shows where they are manufactured (ownership/lease deed, utility bill, etc.)
- Trademark Registration Certificate (when the trademark is used and registered)
- Manufacturing licence / statutory approvals – (where relevant – such as pollution)
- All approvals (e.g. control and industry-specific approvals)
- Product drawings/design schematics
- Installed manufacturing capacity
- List of materials used and specifications
- Details on machinery and equipment making
- The factory layout plan, such as production, test areas and storage areas
- A comprehensive manufacturing process flow is given
- In-house test equipment and calibration information will be used to test, verify, and/or account for the accuracy of the instruments
- Information about the quality control personnel
- Factory organisational chart
To not cause delays for certification approval, it is essential to properly document.
Cost of BIS Certification for Structural Steel Tubes
The cost of BIS Certification of Structural steel tubes will depend on various factors.
- Application Fees (BIS)
- Testing Charges (Lab Fees)
- Factory Inspection Charges
- Annual License Fees
- Marking Fees (ISI Mark Usage)
- Consultancy Charges (UMSPCS)
Common Challenges Faced by Manufacturers
There are many challenges that most manufacturers face in the certification process, such as:
- Missing/incorrect documentation: Delay in approval is caused by missing or incorrect documentation.
- Lack of Technical Knowledge: Understanding BIS regulations and standards for testing may be a bit hard.
- Quality Control Failures: Product may not pass laboratory tests due to some difference in the quality of its manufacture.
- Corrective Action: If factory systems are not on the correct track, it may result in a corrective action or rejection.
- Coordination: The process can take up more time due to delays in communicating with BIS departments.
Why Choose UMSPCS for BIS Certification?
UMSPCS, an experienced consultancy firm having 600+ years of industry experience, provides complete assistance for BIS Certifications in India. We guide the manufacturers in obtaining BIS ISI Certification for Indian Manufacturers and ensure no hassle or barrier in the entire compliance procedure.
- Expert Industry Knowledge
- End-to-End Support
- Faster Approval Process
- Dedicated Compliance Experts
- Affordable Consultancy Services
- PAN ( India Service Network )
- Post-Certification Assistance
In UMSPCS, manufacturers can concentrate on manufacturing, and we take care of the compliance process.
Future of BIS Certification in the Steel Industry
As India progresses as a powerhouse in the manufacturing industry, BIS certification will continue to play a crucial role in upholding the quality and safety of products in the future.
Some of the trends which can be anticipated in the future are:
- Digital compliance systems
- Higher-level quality checks
- Sustainability-focused standards
- AI-driven manufacturing audits
- Improvements in export control systems
Those manufacturers that make a proactive effort will reap long-term benefits with the implementation of BIS-compliant systems, both at a local and global level.
Read more also: Top FMCS Certification Consultant in Mumbai
Conclusion
Rising urbanisation and industrialisation, along with the increasing demand for transportation, infrastructure, and construction in India, have created a demand for high-quality structural steel tubes. In the present scenario, compliance with the BIS standard is the prerequisite to get legal approval, customer trust and market competitiveness.
The structural steel tubes get certified by BIS, which means the product quality and safety are ensured as per the Indian standard, thus giving credibility to businesses and making them easy to operate. Similarly, BIS ISI certification for Indian manufacturers’ mark allows Indian manufacturers to get access to the Government projects, infrastructure development and international markets as well.
However, if you don’t know what you’re doing, the certification is quite complex and lengthy if done without an expert. UMSPC handles the entire process easily, provides end-to-end compliance assistance and helps you with technical and professional support.
Therefore, if you are a manufacturer looking to get BIS certification for structural steel tubes IS 1161, contact UMSPCS today to enjoy the easy and hassle-free certification process with their expert guidance and support.
Read more also: BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacture
FAQs
- Is it mandatory for structural steel tubes to be BIS certified in India?
BIS certification is indeed mandatory for several structural steel tube products for the quality and legality of access to the market. We can assist you in narrowing down which of the standards is relevant.
- What are the Indian Standards applicable to the structural steel tubes?
Basic standard: IS 1161 – Steel Tubes for Structural Purposes. You can talk with our UMSPC experts to make a product’s IS Code decision.
- What is the time required for getting BIS ISI Certification?
The time frame is indicative of testing, documentation and factory inspection. Manufacture can contact UMSPCS and receive support to ensure no unnecessary delays, and the process does not become daunting.
- What sort of documents do you need for BIS certification?
Manufacturers would ask for test reports, factory info, and other management documents related to quality. For hassle-free approval, UMSPCS offers full documentation assistance.
- What will be the structural steel tubes certification fee from BIS?
Price depends on the type of products, the desired type of testing and the size of the factory. Contact UMSPCS for a unique quote and comprehensive certification guidance.
- What are the reasons for manufacturers to opt for UMSPCS certification?
600+ number of support from the industry have been experienced by the UMSPCS team, which translates into end-to-end BIS consulting support for documentation, test scheduling, audit preparation and audit support for quick approvals.
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